Safe and affordable housing
As of 2020, the number of slum dwellers had increased by 165 million over the past two decades, reaching nearly 1.1 billion people, with 90% residing in Africa and Asia.
(UNHABITAT.ORG)
This underscores the significant challenges in achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Target 11.1, which aims to ensure access to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services for all by 2030, particularly through upgrading slums.
Progress towards this target varies globally. Regions such as Australia, New Zealand, Northern America, and Europe are close to meeting the target, while Sub-Saharan Africa and Central and Southern Asia are lagging.
(UNHABITAT.ORG)
The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated these challenges, disrupting progress and highlighting the need for resilient housing solutions.
(UNSTATS.UN.ORG)
Monitoring progress on SDG 11 is hindered by data limitations, with only four of the ten targets having adequate data for assessment.
(IMPACT.ECONOMIST.COM)
This data scarcity impedes the development of effective policies and interventions to address urban housing challenges.
To achieve SDG 11 by 2030, a collaborative effort involving governments, private sectors, NGOs, and multilateral institutions is essential. Implementing scalable, proven solutions can significantly elevate global progress on the SDGs.
(REUTERS.COM)
Affordable and sustainable transport systems
Target 11.2 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aims to provide access to safe, affordable, accessible, and sustainable transport systems for all by 2030, with a focus on improving road safety and expanding public transport to meet the needs of vulnerable populations, including women, children, persons with disabilities, and older persons.
(SDGS.UN.ORG)
The progress toward this target is measured by Indicator 11.2.1, which tracks the proportion of the population with convenient access to public transport, disaggregated by sex, age, and disability status.
Current Global Status
As of 2022, data from 1,507 cities across 126 countries indicate that only 51.6% of the world's urban population has convenient access to public transport, with significant regional disparities.
(SDGS.UN.ORG)
This highlights the need for substantial improvements in public transportation infrastructure and services to achieve the 2030 target.
Challenges and Considerations
Accessibility in transportation is a multifaceted issue, affecting not only individuals with permanent disabilities but also those with temporary impairments or situational limitations, such as carrying heavy bags or traveling with young children. It is estimated that approximately 25% of the population experiences reduced mobility at any given time. Therefore, designing transportation systems that accommodate diverse mobility needs is crucial.
(UITP.ORG)
Integrating transportation planning with land use strategies is essential to enhance accessibility. Coordinated planning can ensure that employment centers, residential areas, and essential services are well-connected, reducing travel times and improving the overall efficiency of transport systems.
(UITP.ORG)
Global Initiatives and Innovations
Several cities worldwide are implementing innovative solutions to improve public transport accessibility:
Glasgow, Scotland: The city has initiated a nine-week pilot program providing free public transport to 1,000 residents aged 22-59. This £225,000 initiative aims to assess the social, economic, and environmental benefits of universal free travel, with the potential for broader implementation to reduce car usage and achieve net-zero emissions by 2030.
(THESCOTTISHSUN.CO.UK)
Washington, D.C., USA: The city has deployed Waymap, a navigation app designed to assist individuals with visual impairments in navigating public transportation systems. Covering extensive areas, including 90 railway stations and 11,000 bus stops, Waymap offers step-by-step guidance, enhancing independence and accessibility for users.
(THETIMES.CO.UK)
Various Cities: The adoption of micromobility options, such as shared scooters and bikes, addresses the "last mile" challenge in public transportation. These alternatives provide flexible and sustainable options for short-distance travel, reducing reliance on personal vehicles and lowering emissions.
(TIME.COM)
Conclusion
Achieving SDG Target 11.2 requires a comprehensive approach that includes infrastructure development, policy reforms, technological innovations, and community engagement. By prioritizing the needs of vulnerable populations and integrating transportation with urban planning, cities can create inclusive, efficient, and sustainable transport systems that contribute to the well-being of all residents.
Inclusive and sustainable urbanization
Target 11.3 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aims to enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization by 2030, emphasizing participatory, integrated, and sustainable human settlement planning and management in all countries. This target is monitored through two indicators:
Indicator 11.3.1: "Ratio of land consumption rate to the population growth rate."
Indicator 11.3.2: "Proportion of cities with a direct participation structure of civil society in urban planning and management that operate regularly and democratically."
Challenges in Measuring Indicator 11.3.2
Indicator 11.3.2 focuses on assessing the extent to which civil society participates directly in urban planning and management. However, several challenges hinder its effective measurement:
Data Availability: As of recent assessments, less than 30% of countries collect data for this indicator, leading to significant gaps in the global SDG database.
(IFLAWORLD.COM)
Measurement Methodology: The indicator relies on evaluating the existence and functionality of participatory structures, often based on perceptions of local evaluators. This subjective approach can introduce biases and inconsistencies.
(UNHABITAT.ORG)
Legal and Practical Disparities: In some countries, legal frameworks mandate civil society participation in urban planning, but the practical implementation and effectiveness of these structures vary, complicating accurate measurement.
(SDG.DATA.GOV)
Efforts to Improve Data Collection
To address these challenges, initiatives have been launched to enhance data collection and monitoring:
Global Database Development: A global database featuring components of this indicator across various countries and cities has been established, with complete data sets available for 78 countries.
(UNSTATS.UN.ORG)
User-Friendly Surveys: New data collection tools, such as concise surveys, have been developed to facilitate broader participation and expedite data gathering processes.
(LOCAL2030.ORG)
Importance of Indicator 11.3.2
Despite measurement challenges, Indicator 11.3.2 is crucial for assessing civic engagement in urban planning, a key component in creating sustainable cities and communities. Ongoing efforts to refine data collection methodologies and encourage participation are vital for accurately monitoring progress toward inclusive urbanization.
(OURCITYPLANS.ORG)
Protect the world's cultural and natural heritage
Target 11.4 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aims to strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world's cultural and natural heritage. Progress toward this target is measured by Indicator 11.4.1, which tracks the total per capita expenditure on the preservation, protection, and conservation of all cultural and natural heritage, disaggregated by funding source (public, private), type of heritage (cultural, natural), and level of government (national, regional, local/municipal).
Challenges in Measuring Indicator 11.4.1
Accurately calculating Indicator 11.4.1 presents several challenges:
Data Availability: The availability of expenditure data varies significantly between countries. While some nations collect public expenditure data on heritage, private expenditure data is often scarce, requiring substantial capacity building and financial investment to improve coverage.
(SDG.DATA.GOV)
Data Collection Initiatives: The UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) conducts an annual survey on expenditure related to cultural and natural heritage. The first data release occurred in June 2021, with subsequent releases aiming to enhance data coverage and accuracy.
(UIS.UNESCO.ORG)
Threats to Cultural and Natural Heritage
Several factors threaten the preservation of cultural and natural heritage sites globally:
Armed Conflict and War: Hostilities can lead to the deliberate or collateral destruction of heritage sites. For instance, the ancient city of Aleppo in Syria has suffered extensive damage due to ongoing conflict.
(EARTH.ORG)
Climate Change: Environmental changes, such as rising temperatures and extreme weather events, pose significant risks to natural heritage sites. Shrinking glaciers and coral bleaching are among the impacts observed.
(WHC.UNESCO.ORG)
Uncontrolled Urbanization and Tourism: Rapid urban development and poorly managed tourism can lead to the degradation of heritage sites. Overcrowding and infrastructure development may compromise the integrity of these sites.
(ONTHEGOTOURS.COM)
Recent Incidents Highlighting Threats to Heritage Sites
Recent events have underscored the vulnerability of heritage sites:
Lebanon's Cultural Heritage: Israeli airstrikes during recent conflicts have caused extensive damage to Lebanon's cultural heritage sites, including Roman ruins in Baalbek and Tyre, mosques, and historic markets.
(FT.COM)
Desertification in Mauritania: The ancient city of Chinguetti in Mauritania faces encroachment by the desert, threatening its historic libraries and manuscripts. Climate change-induced sandstorms have exacerbated this issue.
(APNEWS.COM)
Great Barrier Reef: Australia has engaged in lobbying efforts to prevent the Great Barrier Reef from being listed as "in danger" by UNESCO, highlighting the challenges in balancing environmental conservation with economic interests.
(THEGUARDIAN.COM)
Reduce the adverse effects of natural disasters
Target 11.5 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aims to significantly reduce disaster-induced fatalities, the number of affected individuals, and direct economic losses relative to global gross domestic product (GDP) by 2030, with a particular focus on protecting vulnerable populations. Progress toward this target is assessed using two primary indicators:
Indicator 11.5.1: Number of Deaths, Missing Persons, and Directly Affected Persons Attributed to Disasters per 100,000 Population
Definition: This indicator measures the number of individuals who have died, are missing, or are directly affected by disasters per 100,000 population.
Key Concepts:
Death: Individuals who lost their lives as a direct result of a hazardous event.
Missing Persons: Individuals whose whereabouts are unknown since the hazardous event, including those presumed dead without physical evidence.
Directly Affected Persons: Individuals who have suffered injury, illness, or other health effects; were evacuated, displaced, or relocated; or experienced direct damage to their livelihoods, economic, physical, social, cultural, and environmental assets.
Data Collection: National disaster management agencies, civil protection agencies, and meteorological agencies typically collect this data. The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR) oversees global monitoring and reporting.
(WORLDBANK.GITHUB.IO)
Indicator 11.5.2: Direct Economic Loss in Relation to Global GDP, Damage to Critical Infrastructure, and Number of Disruptions to Basic Services Attributed to Disasters
Definition: This indicator assesses the direct economic losses attributed to disasters relative to global GDP, along with damage to critical infrastructure and disruptions to basic services.
Key Concepts:
Direct Economic Loss: The monetary value of total or partial destruction of physical assets in the affected area, including homes, schools, hospitals, commercial and governmental buildings, transport, energy, telecommunications infrastructures, business assets, industrial plants, crops, livestock, and cultural heritage.
Critical Infrastructure: Physical structures, facilities, networks, and other assets essential to the social and economic functioning of a community or society.
Basic Services: Services necessary for society to function appropriately, such as water supply, sanitation, healthcare, education, electricity, telecommunications, transport, and waste management.
Data Collection: Similar to Indicator 11.5.1, data is gathered by national agencies, with UNISDR responsible for global monitoring and reporting.
(MILLENNIUMINDICATORS.UN.ORG)
Challenges in Data Collection and Reporting
Accurately measuring these indicators presents several challenges:
Data Availability: Not all countries systematically collect comprehensive disaster loss data, leading to potential underreporting.
Data Consistency: Variations in data collection methodologies across countries can result in inconsistencies, complicating global comparisons.
Impact of Catastrophic Events: Large-scale disasters can skew data, making it challenging to identify trends over time.
Global Initiatives to Improve Data Collection
To address these challenges, several initiatives have been implemented:
Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030: Adopted by UN Member States in March 2015, this framework aims to reduce disaster risks and losses, providing a comprehensive approach to disaster risk management.
Open-ended Intergovernmental Expert Working Group (OIEWG): Established to develop indicators and terminology related to disaster risk reduction, the group's recommendations have been endorsed by the UN General Assembly.
Technical Guidance: UNISDR has developed technical guidance for monitoring and reporting progress in achieving the global targets of the Sendai Framework, aiding countries in standardizing data collection and reporting methodologies.
These efforts aim to enhance the accuracy and consistency of data related to disaster impacts, thereby informing policies and strategies to mitigate disaster risks and protect vulnerable populations.
Reduce the environmental impacts of cities
Target 11.6 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aims to reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities by 2030, focusing on air quality and municipal waste management. This target is monitored through two primary indicators:
Indicator 11.6.1: Proportion of municipal solid waste collected and managed in controlled facilities out of total municipal waste generated, by cities.
Indicator 11.6.2: Annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (e.g., PM2.5 and PM10) in cities (population-weighted).
Indicator 11.6.1: Municipal Solid Waste Management
Effective waste management is crucial for minimizing cities' environmental footprints. In 2022, the global average municipal solid waste (MSW) collection rate in cities was 82%, with 55% of this waste managed in controlled facilities. However, disparities exist across regions; for instance, sub-Saharan Africa and Oceania have MSW collection rates below 60%. Uncollected waste contributes to plastic pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and public health risks.
(SDGS.UN.ORG)
Indicator 11.6.2: Urban Air Quality
Air pollution poses significant health risks, particularly in urban areas. Monitoring fine particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) is essential for assessing air quality. Between 2011 and 2022, global monitoring capacity for air quality expanded sixfold, though 92% of this growth occurred in high- and middle-income countries.
UNSTATS.UN.ORG)
This expansion has improved data collection, but challenges remain in low-income regions.
Challenges and Initiatives
Achieving Target 11.6 requires addressing several challenges:
Data Collection and Standardization: Inconsistent data collection methods hinder accurate assessments. Initiatives like the Waste Wise Cities Tool provide standardized methodologies to improve data reliability.
(UNSTATS.UN.ORG)
Resource Allocation: Limited resources in developing regions impede progress in waste management and air quality monitoring. International support and investment are essential to build local capacities.
Policy Implementation: Effective policies are vital for sustainable urban development. Collaborative efforts among governments, organizations, and communities are necessary to implement and enforce environmental regulations.
Conclusion
Reducing the environmental impact of cities is vital for sustainable development. While progress has been made in waste collection and air quality monitoring, significant efforts are needed to address regional disparities and ensure all cities can achieve the targets set for 2030.
Provide access to safe and inclusive green and public spaces
Target 11.7 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aims to "provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces, in particular for women and children, older persons and persons with disabilities" by 2030. Progress toward this target is measured using two indicators:
Indicator 11.7.1: Average Share of Built-up Area as Open Space for Public Use
This indicator assesses the proportion of urban areas designated as open public spaces accessible to all individuals, regardless of sex, age, or disability status. It focuses on the availability and accessibility of such spaces within cities.
(UNSTATS.UN.ORG)
Indicator 11.7.2: Proportion of Persons Victimized by Harassment
This indicator measures the percentage of individuals who have experienced physical or sexual harassment in the past 12 months, disaggregated by sex, age, disability status, and the location of the incident. It aims to capture the prevalence of harassment in various settings, including public spaces, workplaces, and educational institutions.
(UNSTATS.UN.ORG)
Challenges in Data Collection and Reporting
Accurately measuring these indicators presents several challenges:
Indicator 11.7.1: Variations in defining and categorizing public spaces across different cities and countries can lead to inconsistencies in data collection. Additionally, the lack of standardized methodologies for measuring accessibility and inclusivity further complicates accurate assessment.
Indicator 11.7.2: Underreporting of harassment incidents is a significant issue, often due to social stigma, fear of retaliation, or lack of trust in authorities. Cultural differences in understanding and defining harassment can also affect the reliability of collected data.
Initiatives to Enhance Data Accuracy
To address these challenges, several initiatives have been implemented:
For Indicator 11.7.1: Organizations like UN-Habitat have developed guidelines and tools to assist cities in accurately measuring and reporting the extent of public spaces. These resources aim to standardize data collection methods and promote best practices in urban planning.
(UNHABITAT.ORG)
For Indicator 11.7.2: International bodies such as the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) are working to harmonize survey instruments and methodologies to improve the comparability and reliability of data on harassment. Efforts are also being made to encourage reporting and support victims through awareness campaigns and policy reforms.
(UNSTATS.UN.ORG)
Conclusion
Achieving Target 11.7 requires concerted efforts to improve the availability of safe, inclusive, and accessible public spaces while simultaneously addressing issues related to harassment. Strengthening data collection and reporting mechanisms is crucial for monitoring progress and implementing effective interventions to create more inclusive and secure urban environments.
Strong national and regional development planning
Target 11.a of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aims to "support positive economic, social and environmental links between urban, peri-urban and rural areas by strengthening national and regional development planning." Progress toward this target is measured by Indicator 11.a.1, which tracks the number of countries that have national urban policies or regional development plans that:
(a) Respond to population dynamics
(b) Ensure balanced territorial development
(c) Increase local fiscal space
Global Adoption of National Urban Policies
As of 2015, 142 countries had established or were developing national urban policies, encompassing approximately 75% of the world's urban population.
(SDGS.UN.ORG)
These policies are pivotal in coordinating urbanization processes to promote sustainable development.
Challenges in Data Availability
Despite the widespread adoption of urban policies, comprehensive data on how these policies address the specific criteria outlined in Indicator 11.a.1—such as responsiveness to population dynamics, balanced territorial development, and enhancement of local fiscal capacities—remains limited. This gap underscores the need for improved monitoring and reporting mechanisms to assess the effectiveness of these policies in achieving sustainable urban development.
The New Urban Agenda
In 2016, global leaders adopted the New Urban Agenda, a framework that sets standards for sustainable urban development and emphasizes the integration of all sectors in urban planning. This agenda highlights the interconnectedness of sustainable urbanization with job creation, improved quality of life, and environmental protection.
(UNHABITAT.ORG)
Key Components of the New Urban Agenda:
National Urban Policies: Encourages the development of policies that integrate urbanization into national development strategies.
Urban Legislation and Regulations: Promotes legal frameworks to support sustainable urban development.
Urban Planning and Design: Advocates for inclusive and effective planning practices.
Local Economy and Municipal Finance: Focuses on strengthening local economies and financial systems.
Local Implementation: Emphasizes the role of local authorities in executing urban development initiatives.
By aligning national and regional development plans with the principles of the New Urban Agenda, countries can enhance the positive linkages between urban, peri-urban, and rural areas, thereby advancing sustainable development goals.
Implement policies for inclusion, resource efficiency and disaster risk reduction
Target 11.b of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aimed to "substantially increase the number of cities and human settlements adopting and implementing integrated policies and plans towards inclusion, resource efficiency, mitigation and adaptation to climate change, resilience to disasters, and develop and implement... holistic disaster risk management at all levels" by 2020.
(INDICATORS.REPORT)
This target is measured through two indicators:
Indicator 11.b.1: "Number of countries that adopt and implement national disaster risk reduction strategies in line with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030."
Indicator 11.b.2: "Proportion of local governments that adopt and implement local disaster risk reduction strategies in line with national disaster risk reduction strategies."
Progress and Challenges
As of 2023, local-level risk governance has improved, with 106 countries reporting having local disaster risk reduction strategies aligned with national strategies. On average, 72% of local governments in these countries have such strategies in place.
(SDGS.UN.ORG)
However, several challenges hinder the full implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction:
Data Collection and Reporting: Inconsistent and unstructured data collection impedes effective disaster loss reporting.
(REPOSITORY.LIBRARY.NOAA.GOV)
Capacity Constraints: Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and other vulnerable regions often lack the capacity to strengthen resilience, making them susceptible to disasters that can erase decades of development gains.
(UN.ORG)
Resource Limitations: Limited financial and technical resources constrain the development and implementation of comprehensive disaster risk reduction strategies.
(UNDRR.ORG)
Addressing these challenges requires enhanced international cooperation, capacity-building initiatives, and the allocation of resources to support vulnerable regions in implementing effective disaster risk reduction strategies.
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