In his message tick World Cities DayThe head of the United Nations emphasized the important role of urban areas in achieving Sustainable development goals (SDGs).
The SDGs outline global goals and actions across 17 key areas including poverty alleviation, gender equality and clean energy.
“On World Cities Day, let us resolve to work with cities to build a sustainable, inclusive and resilient world for all,“I said.
‘Backsliding’ on SDGs
The SDGs were agreed by countries in 2015 and Mr. Guterres noted that next year marks the midpoint of the road map to the 2030 deadline.
However, an honest look so far presents a bleak picture, he added.
“Through a series of key goals – from poverty to gender equality and education – We’re not seeing progress, but we’re sliding back‘ said the general secretary.
“The consequences are huge: escalating climate chaos, growing poverty, rising inequality, etc.”
Change course now
The Secretary-General emphasized that “We must change course – and we can”.
In keeping with the theme of the Day – ‘Action local to go global’ – he said the SDGs are “global in scope, but implementation is local”, meaning that their implementation mainly takes place in cities.
The current, more than a half global population living in urban areas, increasing to two-thirds by 2050.
Cities also generate more than 80% of global economic activity and account for more than 70% of carbon emissions.
Leading the ‘green’ transition
The Secretary-General pointed out that many cities have been leading the transition to renewable energy, setting credible net-zero targets and building climate-resilient infrastructure.
“I encourage them to work with their governments and sister cities around the world to share their experiences and help raise ambition‘ he advised.
The head of the United Nations emphasized that the actions that cities take locally towards sustainability will be felt around the world.
Furthermore, he added that ” policy of change they pioneer today can catalyze change that will Save lives and livelihoods everywhere tomorrow.”
ADB / Ariel Javellana
Pudong District is home to many of Shanghai’s most famous buildings.
Celebration back to Shanghai
Global celebrations for World Cities Day are held in a different city each year. Shanghai used to host the first celebrations in 2014, and the festivals returned there this year.
Shanghai is China’s largest city, and the President sent a congratulatory letter read by Shanghai Party Secretary Chen Jining.
Other dignitaries speaking at the opening ceremony were the Minister of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, Ni Hong, and the Mayor of Shanghai Municipal Government, Gong Zheng.
‘Urban October’ is over
World Cities Day, celebrated annually on October 31, closes a month of campaigning for sustainable urbanization, otherwise known as “Urban October”.
Like the Secretary-General, the head of the United Nations agency promoting a better urban future for all has highlighted why countries must step up the pace.
“We have about 87 months, 380 weeks or 2,600 days left to achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. The best way to do that is to do so. making sure our cities and communities are sustainable. Time to act now,” speak Maimunah Mohd Sharif, CEO of UN-Habitat.
Government priority
UN-Habitat has supported the localization of the SDGs since its confirmation 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The agency’s work in this area is guided by what it calls a territorial approach based on partnerships, human rights and multi-level governance.
“The priority of any responsible government is to ensure the quality of life for its citizens and to make cities more child- and elderly-friendly, more accessible, greener and friendlier.” The UN Resident Coordinator in China, Siddharth Chatterjee said.
Global celebrations for World Cities Day 2022 are held in person and online. They were broadcast live at the UN complex in Nairobi, Kenya, the home city of UN-Habitat.
Representatives from China, Eritrea and Kenya attended the Nairobi ceremony, while more than 350 people from around the world participated in the hybrid event, with over a dozen United Nations Member States participating online from Nairobi .
