SDG 11: Sustainable cities and communities

‘Sustainable cities and communities’ is the theme of Sustainable Development Goal number 11 (SDG11). Gonzalo Lacurcia, an expert in strategic urban planning and a senior consultant for the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), analyses some of the challenges posed by the UN with respect to this goal from now until 2030. They include enhancing inclusive and sustainable urbanisation and capacity for participatory, integrated and sustainable human settlement planning and management in all countries; reducing the adverse per capital environmental impact of cities, paying special attention to air quality and waste management (municipal and other); and ensuring access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services, and upgrading slums.