Ø Introduction: What is it? (SDG goal 11 sustainable cities and communities)

There needs to be a future in which cities provide opportunities for all, with access to all basic services, energy, housing, transportation and more. And this goal will help us achieve it.

Ø Main Goal:  Make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable. Goal 11 is about making cities and human settlements inclusive and safe.

([Source] https://www.velatia.com/)

Ø Countries that are Taking action on SDG 11 (sustainable cities and communities):

v Stockholm (capital of Sweden): 1,000 Stockholmers die a year from air pollution. Sweden’s capital is banning petrol and diesel cars in its city center to reduce pollution and slash emissions. The new rules will come into force on 31 December 2024. “In Stockholm, everyone should be able to breathe the air without getting sick,” traffic councilor and MP Lars Strongmen wrote on X – formerly twitter. He goes on to envision a city with “outdoor seating and plenty of space for walking and cycling”. This marks the first time the country has introduced such strict environmental rules for vehicles.

([Source] https://www.euronews.com/)

v UAE (United Arab Emirates):

The Minister said: “As the world becomes more urbanized, SDG11 is gaining a paramount importance and is sitting at the heart of the SDGs’’. In the UAE, we are successfully transitioning towards sustainable cities with a multipronged approach that includes using advanced technologies such as city digital twins for spatial planning, integrating artificial intelligence (AI) to achieve high city sustainability and livability standards, promoting sustainable and smart mobility solutions, building resilient infrastructure, reducing energy and water consumption, and meeting our net-zero target by 2050. ([Source] https://www.digitaldubai.ae/)

v U.S (United States Of America)

On behalf of the American people, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) leads the U.S. Government's international development and disaster assistance through partnerships and investments that save lives, reduce poverty, strengthen democratic governance, and help people emerge from humanitarian crises and progress beyond assistance – efforts that directly contribute to advancing progress toward achieving the SDG 11.

These are a few examples of Countries that are taking action on SDG 11.

([Source] https://www.usaid.gov/)

Ø Targets

11.1 By 2030, ensure access for all too adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums

11.2 By 2030, provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all, improving road safety, notably by expanding public transport, with special attention to the needs of those in vulnerable situations, women, children, persons with disabilities and older persons

11.3 By 2030, enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated and sustainable human settlement planning and management in all countries

11.4 Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage

11.5 By 2030, significantly reduce the number of deaths caused and the number of people affected and substantially decrease the direct economic losses relative to global gross domestic product caused by disasters, including water-related disasters, with a focus on protecting the poor and people in vulnerable situations

11.6 By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management

11.7 By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces, in particular for women and children, older persons and persons with disabilities.

([Source]https://www.velatia.com/)

Ø Conclusion:

Ø      "In conclusion, SDG 11, which aims to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable, is a vital component of the global agenda for a better future. As our world becomes increasingly urbanized, the need for well-planned, eco-friendly, and socially inclusive cities is more evident than ever. Achieving this goal will not only enhance the quality of life for millions but also contribute to addressing various interconnected challenges, from climate change to inequality.With continued efforts and commitment, we can pave the way for a brighter and more sustainable urban future."

Sources:

     https://www.euronews.com/ https://www.digitaldubai.ae/   https://www.usaid.gov/  https://www.velatia.com/