Learn More About Sustainable Development Goal 11
July 29, 2017
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.
The challenges cities face can be overcome in ways that allow them to continue to thrive and grow, while improving resource use and reducing pollution and poverty. The future we want includes cities of opportunities for all, with access to basic services, energy, housing, transportation and more.
TARGETS
• By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums
• 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
• By 2030, enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated and sustainable human settlement planning and management in all countries
• Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage
• 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
• 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
• Support least developed countries, including through financial and technical assistance, in building sustainable and resilient buildings utilizing local materials
CONCEPTS EXPLAINED
What is sustainable development?
Sustainable development has been defined in many ways, but the most frequently quoted definition is from Our Common Future, also known as the Brundtland Report:
Sustainable development is a development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
What is Smart City?
Smart City is a city which capitalises on new technologies and developments to enhance its systems, operations and service delivery. The Smart City concept embodies a focus on ICT (Information and communication technology), covers almost every aspect of society and daily life. According to Boyd Cohen, an internationally renowned urban strategist, Smart City consists of 6 major components, namely Smart Economy, Smart Environment, Smart People, Smart Mobility, Smart Living and Smart Government.
According to the Policy Address, objectives of developing Hong Kong into a smart city are:
(a) making use of innovation and technology to address urban challenges to enhance city management and improve the quality of living, sustainability, efficiency and safety of our city;
(b) enhancing city attractiveness to global business and talents; and
(c) inspiring continuous city innovation and sustainable economic development.
