New urban agenda summary

The New Urban Agenda (NUA) is a comprehensive plan adopted by the United Nations in 2016 to address the challenges of urbanization and promote sustainable urban development. The NUA is a follow-up to the Habitat II Conference held in 1996 and the Habitat III Conference held in 2016. Here is a summary of the key points:

I. Introduction

• The NUA is a global framework for sustainable urban development, focusing on the needs of cities and their inhabitants.
• It recognizes the importance of urbanization in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the need for a coordinated approach to address urban challenges.

II. Principles

• The NUA is based on 10 principles:
  1. Leave No One Behind
  2. Inclusive and Sustainable Urbanization
  3. Urban-Rural Linkages
  4. Human Rights and Social Justice
  5. Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction
  6. Economic Development and Job Creation
  7. Innovation and Technology
  8. Public-Private Partnerships
  9. Capacity Building and Knowledge Sharing
  10. Monitoring and Evaluation

III. Goals

• The NUA sets out 17 goals, which are grouped into four categories:
  1. Inclusive and Sustainable Urbanization (Goals 1-4)
  2. Urban Planning and Management (Goals 5-7)
  3. Urban Services and Infrastructure (Goals 8-11)
  4. Urban Governance and Partnerships (Goals 12-17)

IV. Key Areas of Focus

• The NUA identifies several key areas of focus, including:
  1. Housing and Urban Development
  2. Urban Planning and Design
  3. Transportation and Mobility
  4. Energy and Water Management
  5. Waste Management and Sanitation
  6. Public Health and Safety
  7. Education and Skills Development
  8. Economic Development and Job Creation
  9. Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction
  10. Human Rights and Social Justice

V. Implementation

• The NUA calls for a coordinated approach to implementation, involving governments, international organizations, civil society, and the private sector.
• It emphasizes the need for capacity building, knowledge sharing, and monitoring and evaluation to ensure effective implementation.

VI. Follow-up and Review

• The NUA will be reviewed every 10 years, with the first review scheduled for 2026.
• The review will assess progress, identify challenges, and provide recommendations for future action.

Overall, the New Urban Agenda provides a comprehensive framework for sustainable urban development, emphasizing the need for inclusive, sustainable, and resilient cities that promote the well-being of all inhabitants.