Challenges and way forward in the urban sector

1 Challenges and way forward in the urban sector sustainable Development in the 21st century (SD21). Challenges and way forward in the urban sector sustainable Development in the 21st century (SD21). This study is part of the sustainable Development in the 21st century (SD21) project. The project is implemented by the Division for sustainable Development of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs and funded by the European Commission Directorate- General for Environment Thematic Programme for Environment and sustainable management of Natural Resources, including energy (ENRTP). The study was done by Kaarin Taipale (CKIR, Aalto University School of Economics, under the supervision of David Le Blanc (UN-DESA).)

2 Claire Fellini (UN-DESA). prepared the manuscript for posting. The author extends her warmest thanks to the experts who provided inputs for this study, including Priyanka Kochar, Patricia Kranz, Ashok Lall, Steffen Lehmann, Noel Morrin, Chrisna du Plessis, AbdouMaliq Simone, Sanjivi Sundar, Beate Weber, Wayne Wescott, Zhiqiang Wu and Annemie Wyckmann. This publication has been produced with the assistance of the European Union. The contents of this publication are the sole responsibility of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the European Union. Executive summary of the city. It builds on an inclusive and holistic Executive Summary vision, applies integrated planning and transparent urban issues have risen high on many agendas governance, and monitors implementation rigorously.

3 That deal with global questions. Most of the world's Even a huge amount of excellent but disconnected resources are consumed in cities, where the majority pieces does not make a well functioning whole. of people live. It has become obvious that the value Because money is not going to stop talking, its of a single green building or eco-labeled product is language will have to become sustainability. A locally marginal if it is not supported by sustainable urban rooted, democratized culture of sustainability has to be infrastructure and a culture of sustainability. the foundation of urban development. In all fairness, cities are at different stages in their Recommendations: Ten steps on the way development, and many of them in the global South forward have to struggle with enormous growth rates and immigration.

4 Some urban areas in the North have It would be misleading to categorize conclusions opposite Challenges of negative growth after old or recommendations according to region or level of industries have died out or left. development. Cities in the North keep learning from cities in the South Curitiba and Porto Alegre as prime Inequity and segregation seem to be common examples. In most major cities, the developed and the Challenges to cities all over the world. urban inequity developing world coexist in some form, creating the and segregation are also an indication of global tensions of segregation and the challenge of inclusion. inequity. While more and more cities want to focus Inclusion is not a separate issue but an approach that on services and hi-tech, the dirty work of the world has to be taken when decisions about governance, remains to be done in the poorest cities with the most participation, public transport and urban infrastructure meager resources to develop.

5 Are prepared and made. Cities compete with each other globally trying to please One of the most decisive factors that puts cities in investors. There is hardly any municipality that does not different categories is their ability to access financing, in its official strategy claim that sustainability is one of its be it by collecting taxes and fees for service, getting a key targets. However, it is a totally different story if one share of tax income from their national governments, asks into what actions this declaration translates. or by being able to issue municipal bonds or get low-interest loans on international money markets. Yes, sustainability criteria may be used at the City That is where their attitude to traditional versus high Hall when envelopes are purchased but what is technology or commercial versus non-market solutions the point if every other product and service is the becomes significant: are cities able to come up with outcome of an unsustainable process?

6 Yes, there is innovative solutions that do not depend on the most a Dow Sustainability Index but what use is it if not expensive technology and maintenance requirements? all companies, investments and financing support The development of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) model sustainability? Yes, there may be a solar panel here in Curitiba, instead of a traditional subway system and there, but zero emissions mean nothing less than requiring heavy investments, is a prime example. 100% renewable energy. Yes, there may be tree-lined roads but as long as the pedestrian is not the king of 1. Vision: Inclusive and locally rooted visions the street, the city is not sustainable !

7 Of 21st century cities for all The process towards sustainable cities starts with There is no one top-down solution to urban profound analyses of the past and present culture sustainability but a wealth of bottom-up approaches Challenges and way forward in the urban sector iii instead. One of the strengths of cities in both poor and Cities all over the world need inclusive pro-poor wealthier countries is the initiative and inventiveness strategies and guidelines enabling innovative of their citizens. Seizing this opportunity requires local solutions. If the city is good for its weakest critical rethinking, application of innovative non-market citizen a child, an aged person, a new immigrant, solutions and the active involvement of all those a handicapped person, it is going to be good for concerned.

8 Everyone else, too. Integration and inclusion have to be on top of the urban sustainability agenda. One-way information does not fulfil the contemporary requirement for the quality standards of citizen sustainable development has to be democratized involvement. People have to be given the possibility at the local level in every country. to become the key resource of cities. Citizen need a Existing methods of citizen participation, such as supporting infrastructure': places for people to meet participative budgeting, should be used in every and get organized, an attentive media to communicate city, selecting the locally most appropriate tools their concerns, and tools, processes and channels and most urgent issues.

9 To create initiatives and communicate. Some cities New methods of inclusion should be developed are fortunate to have visionary leaders for one or and disseminated among cities. two electoral periods, while most cities cannot wait for enlightened leadership but have to establish Goals: permanent solutions of public participation. 2. Towards a culture of sustainability Methods and processes exist already, very similar in developing and developed countries, and are ready The cities that come up with interesting pilot projects to be applied: participatory budgeting, stakeholder don't do it by chance. In many cases they have a forums, popular votes on urban issues, user co- long history of trial and error behind them think of creation of basic services, e-participation, or kiosks Barcelona that has worked consistently since the for basic services, information and internet access 1970s.

10 The profile of a city cannot be upheld with for example. The right to participate is not linked individual projects any more but every decision should to the home address only, does not concern only be weighed on the scale of sustainability. geographical communities but also communities of old or young people, pedestrians or bus drivers, street Cities should be patient in developing a culture of vendors and restaurant owners. sustainability and transformation, which is based on a continuous analysis of their local identity and The urban agenda will have to democratize sustainable history. development further. This can only happen at the local level. After the success of Local Agenda 21, at some 3.