The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 11 (SDG 11) focuses on creating sustainable and inclusive cities and communities by 2030. This goal includes ensuring access to adequate housing and basic services while upgrading slums, providing safe, affordable, and sustainable transport systems for all, enhancing inclusive and sustainable urbanization, protecting cultural and natural heritage, reducing the impact of disasters, improving environmental sustainability in cities, and providing universal access to green and public spaces, with particular attention to vulnerable groups. SDG 11 also emphasizes strengthening economic, social, and environmental links between urban, peri-urban, and rural areas, promoting integrated policies for sustainability and resilience, and supporting the construction of sustainable and resilient buildings in least developed countries using local materials.
Creating sustainable cities and communities is a formidable task. Urban sprawl leads to inefficient land use and over-reliance on cars, contributing to congestion and pollution. Poor air and water quality, inadequate waste management, and congestion pose significant environmental challenges. Housing affordability is a pressing concern, as skyrocketing prices force many residents out of urban centers. Overcoming these challenges requires promoting compact, well-planned cities with efficient public transport, investing in green infrastructure, and implementing policies to ensure affordable and inclusive housing, ultimately creating healthier, more sustainable living environments for all.
Below are some organizations making contributions to sustainable cities and communities.
Affordable Housing, Green Infrastructure and Community Development
Habitat for Humanity – Builds and renovates affordable homes for families in need, promoting community development and access to safe housing.
SunRoof – Offers integrated solar roof panels that seamlessly blend with existing architecture, promoting rooftop solar adoption and clean energy generation in urban areas.
Urban Green – Designs and installs vertical gardens and green walls, promoting urban green spaces and improving air quality in cities.
Community Building and Social Inclusion
MakeSense – Connects businesses with social enterprises, creating partnerships that address social and environmental challenges in cities.
Urban Catalyst – Helps communities develop and implement solutions to local challenges, empowering citizens to shape their cities.
UN-Habitat – Promotes sustainable urban development and supports cities in achieving the SDGs, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing across communities globally.
Mobility and Urban Planning
Moovit – Provides real-time public transportation information and route planning, improving accessibility and efficiency within urban transportation systems.
Public Engagement and Civic Tech
OpenGov – Develops online tools and platforms that empower citizens to participate in local government and decision-making, fostering transparency and accountability.
Renewable Energy and Resource Management
M-Kopa Solar – Provides affordable solar lighting and energy systems to off-grid communities, offering clean energy access and improving livelihoods in urban areas.
Groots – Uses smart sensors and software to optimize water usage in agriculture, promoting sustainable resource management in urban environments.
Wasteless World – Provides affordable waste-to-energy solutions, converting plastic waste into clean energy and reducing pollution in cities.
Sustainable Urban Infrastructure and Development
Resilient Cities Catalyst – Invests in and supports innovative solutions that make cities more resilient to climate change and other challenges.
Soofa – Designs and manufactures modular street furniture that can be easily adapted to different urban environments, promoting flexibility and accessibility in cities.
Technology and Data for Smart Cities
GridBeyond – Develops AI-powered energy management platforms that optimize energy use for businesses and utilities, contributing to energy efficiency in cities.
Akvo – Uses mobile technology to track urban development projects, improving transparency and accountability in initiatives aimed at creating sustainable and resilient cities.
Urban Food Systems and Circular Economy
AeroFarms – Grows fresh produce indoors using vertical farming technology, offering a sustainable and efficient approach to urban agriculture.
Compost Now – Provides convenient composting services for businesses and residents, promoting waste reduction and resource recovery in cities.
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United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #11 (Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable) is part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Read a review of innovative organizations working across other SDGs.
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