90 cities commit to sustainable development

Cities committing to sustainable development. - UNICEF

Mayors from 50 countries commit to sustainable urban development 

Ninety mayors from 50 countries met at the UN Forum of Mayors in Geneva earlier this week, renewing their commitments to make cities more sustainable and sending its recommendations to the UN Committee on Urban Development, Housing and Land Management, which opened its latest session on Wednesday. 

Established in 2020, the Forum of Mayors connects city, national and global actors to share local solutions for implementing the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Their commitments cover six areas:

• Efficient, safe, green and accessible transportation

• More green spaces, biodiversity protection, and lower pollution and emissions

• Inclusive, participatory planning and climate resilience

• Affordable, secure, climate-resilient housing for vulnerable people

• Protecting cultural and natural heritage for responsible tourism

• Using culture, creativity, innovation and ethical AI to improve urban services and civic participation

The mayors noted that across all areas, fiscal constraints, fragmented governance and limited local capacity hinder implementation and urged States and international organizations to strengthen the legal, institutional, policy and financial frameworks needed to address the issue.

The head of the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), which organises the forum, explained why cities must be at the heart of decision-making.

“Cities are where people experience the major challenges of our time most directly – from housing and access to essential services to mobility, climate impacts, inequality and disaster risks. But, cities are also where solutions are being developed every day,” she said. – UN News