These pressing issues require urgent action and World Cities Dayheld on October 31, provides a platform to reflect on the unprecedented challenges they face.
Designated by the United Nations General Assembly 68/239 resolutionit aims to sharpen the international community’s focus on promoting sustainable development and addressing the challenges of urbanization.
Youth are the catalyst for urban innovation
“By empowering young people, we can accelerate climate action and drive global progress for Sustainable development goals”, António Guterres said, Secretary General of the United Nationswhile explaining this year’s theme, “Youth creating climate change: Catalyzing local action for urban sustainability.”
By 2050, it is estimated that 70% of the global population will live in cities, with By 2030, nearly 60% of the urban population will be under 18 years old. This demographic shift highlights the need to include youth in urban planning to ensure sustainable, resilient communities.
In preparation for World Cities Day, Haoliang Xu, Under-Secretary-General and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Deputy Administrator, shared an inspiring example of a young innovator from Nepal who launched an online food delivery service that thrived during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“One area of work that I feel very encouraged by is where we work with young people and their use of digital technology,” he said in an interview with UN News.
International initiatives such as Pact for the future and Statement about future generations seeks to prioritize youth voices in shaping sustainable urban environments. Recommended actions include establishing youth councils, integrating youth representatives into local government, and promoting continuous dialogue between youth and policymakers.
Local inclusion as a pillar of sustainable urban development
These efforts aim to create cities that are not only sustainable and resilient, but also reflect the diverse local voices and needs of all people, both now and in the future.
Discussing the importance of listening to local voices, Mr. Xu said: “If our urban governments look at their work through the lens of efficiency, responsibility and inclusion, we can can move faster to achieve common goals SDG 11 and also internal goals New urban agenda”.
the Local 2030 The initiative, supported by 16 United Nations agencies and various governments, Mr. Xu explained, also aims to “mobilize government, local authorities along with communities to focus on local development, which includes many urban issues. Community-centered urban planning.
