Due to the increased acidity of the ocean, the ocean chemistry experiences massive changes that adversely affect not just aquatic beings but also the human population.
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As cities get bigger, it becomes more important than ever to make them inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. By 2050, almost 70% of the world's people will live in cities. This will put a lot of stress on housing, infrastructure, public services, and the environment. If bold, coordinated action is not taken to address this fast and frequently unplanned urbanisation, it might worsen inequities, increase cities' vulnerability to climate change, and undermine current city institutions.
The global housing crisis is also one of the most important problems right now. Somewhere between 1.6 - 3 billion people live without proper housing. They may live in slums, overcrowded apartments, or informal communities that don't have access to basic amenities.
Low-income areas have a higher-than-average burden of housing expenditures since they can't afford it and don't have enough policy support or money. Urban poverty, in turn, makes this cycle of marginalisation worse, pushing vulnerable people to the edges of society and the economy.
The facilities and services that make up the backbone of any sustainable city are also under a lot of stress, not just housing. Many cities still don't have good, cheap public transit, their infrastructure is getting old or isn't good enough, and they have trouble making sure everyone can get to water, sanitation, energy, and waste systems.
Environmental stress makes things even more complicated. Urban areas are responsible for up to 70% of global carbon emissions and are under increasing threat from air pollution, the loss of green spaces, and extreme weather events.
Disasters damage more than 90,000 pieces of important infrastructure every year, making it clearer than ever that cities need to adapt for climate change.
Data and governance are still weak points in reaching SDG 11. Urban problems are always local, yet many city governments don't have the power, money, or planning skills to deal with them well. Integrated urban planning is still not very common, and gaps in data make it hard to keep track of progress and make good decisions.
Without regulations that include everyone and strong monitoring systems, achieving the objective of fair and long-lasting urban communities may become even harder. To make cities that work for everyone, not just the rich, we need to close these inequalities in housing, transportation, infrastructure, environmental resilience, and governance.
Due to the increased acidity of the ocean, the ocean chemistry experiences massive changes that adversely affect not just aquatic beings but also the human population.
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Achieving SDG 11 is a shared responsibility that demands bold collaboration across governments, communities, businesses, and individuals. National and local leaders must provide inclusive policies and resources, while private sectors must invest in green innovation and responsible urban infrastructure. Civil society and citizens must play an active role in co-creating cities that work for all by demanding equity, protecting the environment, and shaping local solutions.
Whether you're a policymaker, urban planner, builder, commuter, or resident, your choices shape the city’s future. Advancing the Sustainable Development Goals requires united action at every level. Only by working together can we turn our urban spaces into engines of opportunity, sustainability, and resilience for everyone, everywhere.
Shipra Jain
Future-proof your organization with sustainability frameworks tailored to your sector.
SDG 11 is one of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, aiming to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
Over half the world lives in cities. SDG 11 ensures urban areas can handle growth while improving living conditions, reducing pollution, and enhancing disaster resilience.
It means building places where people can live well without harming the environment, where resources are used wisely, and where everyone feels included and safe.
We can use clean energy, design better public transport, build eco-friendly homes, protect nature, and work closely with local people to understand what they need.
• Environmental – Protecting natural resources • Economic – Ensuring stable and fair economic growth • Social – Promoting equity, inclusion, and community well-being
