Venue: Room VIII, Palais des Nations, Geneva, Switzerland
In recent decades, the world has experienced unprecedented urban growth. In 2015, close to 4 billion people — 54% of the world’s population — lived in cities and that number is projected to increase to about 5 billion people by 2030.
Cities are hubs for ideas, commerce, culture, science, productivity, social development and much more. At their best, cities have enabled people to advance socially and economically.
However, many challenges exist to maintaining cities in a way that continues to create jobs and prosperity while not straining land and resources. Common urban challenges include congestion, lack of funds to provide basic services, a shortage of adequate housing and declining infrastructure.
Hence, the UNECE Housing and Land Management Unit is organizing 'In Focus: SDG 11'. The roundtable discussions provided a platform for illuminating and refreshing dialogue, which reflect on the successes and challenges in the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and other urban-related SDGs. The roundtables will also provide a platform to:
• Foster cooperation between UN agencies, private, public, NGOs, academia and civil society
• Brainstorm to create synergies to promote effective implementation of SDG 11
• Create joint initiatives and activities to ensure the highest and coordinated impact in implementing SDG 11 and other urban related SDGs.
Following the roundtable discussions, a networking lunch was organized to provide a platform for participants from various backgrounds: UN, NGOs, private and public sector, local governments etc to connect and work together to achieve SDG 11.
Draft agenda