High-level symposium on sustainable cities and sustainable urbanization
Background
At Rio, world leaders further committed themselves to promoting sustainable development policies that support inclusive housing and social services; a safe and healthy living environment for all; affordable and sustainable transport and energy; promotion, protection and restoration of safe and green urban spaces; safe and clean drinking water and sanitation; healthy air quality; generation of decent jobs; and improved urban planning and slum upgrading. They underlined the importance of considering disaster risk reduction, resilience and climate risks in urban planning and the efforts of cities to balance development with rural regions.
Objectives
The purpose of the High-Level Symposium on Sustainable Cities and Sustainable Urbanization is to assist urban planners, mayors and decision-makers in developing countries in improving decision-making in urban planning and in moving toward sustainable cities and sustainable urbanization. It will facilitate frank and open high-level discussions on challenges and successes in advancing sustainable cities and sustainable urbanization. Specifically, it will offer to all participants a platform for sharing experiences and best practices in economic transformation of cities; in investing in urban infrastructure; in advancing science, technology, and innovation for sustainable cities and sustainable urbanization; in protecting and conserving cultural heritages of cities; and in promoting dynamic rural-urban economies.
Participants will also be invited to discuss how to implement integrated policy measures in the areas of housing, slum upgrading, affordable and sustainable transport and energy; safe and clean drinking water and sanitation; and job creation, among others.