“World Cities Day is a time to reflect on the crucial role cities play in sustainable development,” said António Guterres, paving the way for a global call to action.
Cities, he noted, are not only the engines of economic growth, but are also at the forefront of the world’s most pressing challenges. From the climate crisis to rising social inequality and political polarization, cities are grappling with a host of complex issues.
1.1 billion in slums
Cities, towns and their surrounding areas act as powerful magnets for innovation, culture and opportunity, attracting both talent and investment.
Today, city living has already been embraced by more than half of the world’s population, and the UN’s Habitat projections show that by 2050, almost 70 percent of people will live in cities.
While cities generate more than 80 percent of global GDP, create powerful networks of entrepreneurship and business growth, and provide ample opportunities for talent development, they can turn into a trap of inequality, with overcrowding, pollution, poor infrastructure and social injustice.
About 1.1 billion people live in slums and informal settlements in urban areas, entrenching poverty and limiting opportunities.
More support to local governments
The Secretary-General expressed concern about the challenges faced by local authorities. “Local authorities are struggling with limited support and resources,” he said. “The demand for critical infrastructure, affordable housing, efficient transportation and essential social services continues to grow exponentially.”
The theme of this year’s World Cities Day, ‘Financing Sustainable Urban Development’, serves as a loud call to collective action. It encourages governments, international organizations, the private sector and civil society to work together and mobilize financial resources to build resilient, sustainable cities.
“I am a strong supporter of equitable financing solutions at the global level,” the UN chief stressed. Such solutions, together with innovative and diverse financing sources, are essential to strengthen local financing strategies that are climate-friendly, inclusive and equitable, he added.
To improve coordination and strengthen the voice of cities and regions, the Secretary-General recently established the Advisory Group on Local and Regional Authorities. This group will focus on implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and ensuring urban areas are heard as the world prepares for the Future Summit next year.
Sustainable urban future for all
Istanbul’s Üsküdar Municipality, Türkiye, today organized World Cities Day 2023 under the theme “Financing a Sustainable Urban Future for All”.
According to the UN Human Settlements Program (UN-Habitat), more than 1,000 participants from 221 countries had registered for the event in person and online.
In her remarks on the Day, Maimunah Mohd Sharif, Executive Director of UN-Habitat, said progress towards achieving sustainable and equitable development and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has stalled.
“Half the world is now urban. There is no end to this megatrend. By adapting our cities to find the resources and talent we need, we can scale up the solutions we need to ensure no one and no place is left behind,” she said.