China set to reach multiple goals ahead of schedule

China places emphasis on its partnership with the United Nations Human Settlements Programme, or UN-Habitat, demonstrating a long-standing commitment to advancing human settlements and sustainable urban development.

This dedication is reflected in China's progress in realizing the objectives outlined in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

"China has been showcasing notable progress in urban development and the importance accorded to many Chinese cities in the urban sector is impressive," said Anaclaudia Rossbach, executive director of UN-Habitat.

In September 2015, the UN adopted the 2030 Agenda, centering on 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs) aimed at eradicating poverty, fostering equality and addressing climate change by 2030.

With only six years left to achieve these goals, global progress has fallen short of the targets set. According to UN-Habitat, only 17 percent of the SDGs are on track, with nearly half showing limited or moderate progress and more than a third either stalled or regressing.

Rossbach highlighted China's exceptional performance of surpassing 126 indicators ahead of schedule for the UN's 2030 Agenda targets. She expressed optimism that China, following current development trends, is poised to approach or attain SDG 7 (affordable and clean energy) and SDG 11(sustainable cities and communities).

An integral component of SDG 11 is housing, an area to which China has consistently devoted attention. Rossbach noted that China recognizes housing as a crucial welfare mechanism, understanding its pivotal role in economic development.

"By addressing housing needs, China has been able to overcome the big challenges of poverty, which is one big step toward the 2030 agenda," she added.

The executive director has visited three Chinese cities — Beijing, Weihai and Shanghai — all of which she said exemplify China's accomplishments in sustainable urban development.

These cities have made remarkable progress in key areas, such as the urbanization rate of permanent residents, urban road mileage, sewage treatment rate and the per capita green space in parks.

"I believe China has strong and powerful stories of urbanization that need to be shared with the world. These stories encompass diverse experiences, which can also be shared and eventually replicated in different contexts," Rossbach noted.

While acknowledging the challenges of replication due to different circumstances, she highlighted the existence of principles, methodologies and mechanisms that can inspire and guide other cities toward sustainable urban development.

Annual celebration

Established in 2013, World Cities Day, observed annually on Oct 31, is a day where people stop to think about cities. It is the first international day initiated by the Chinese government and approved by the UN General Assembly.

Over the past decade, this global initiative has significantly propelled sustainable urban development through exchanges and collaborations, showcasing numerous exemplary instances.

This year's World Cities Day spotlighted the pivotal role of youth in improving the sustainable development of cities, themed "Youth Leading Climate and Local Action for Cities".

In recent years, the escalation of extreme weather events on a global scale has presented threats to both the world economy and human development. "It is imperative that we redouble our efforts to collectively tackle the multifaceted challenges stemming from climate change," Rossbach said.

With over half of the world's population currently in urban areas — a figure projected to reach 68 percent by 2050 — cities serve as the predominant habitats for humanity. Therefore, ensuring the sustainable development of cities is paramount in addressing overarching global challenges.

Official statistics show that by 2030, about 60 percent of urban residents will be under the age of 18. This demographic shift underscores the critical imperative of embracing the perspectives of young individuals.

"Youths are among the most affected by climate change, but they are also key participants of climate action and providers of solutions.

"It's very important that we combine the wisdom and the expertise of experienced people with the foresight of young minds," Rossbach said.

Youths must grasp the baton to revolutionize the world, making it more sustainable, vibrant and hopeful, she added.

Given the essential role of youths in urban development and the role cities play in their growth, UN-Habitat has promoted the mutual growth of youths and cities.

"We really need to find spaces where we can listen to the young people. This is very critical and we have to learn how to do that. So, opening up spaces for the participation and contribution of young females and males is very important," Rossbach said.

China has also spearheaded youth-friendly initiatives in more than 200 cities, prioritizing affordable housing and employment.

"To build youth-friendly cities, it's essential to better meet the diverse and multiple levels of development needs of young people, creating a supportive social environment where youth innovation and development align with and mutually promote urban growth," Rossbach said.

Global award

The Shanghai event for World Cities Day 2024 commenced on Tuesday and will run until Friday. It features the launch of the Chinese version of the 2024 Shanghai Manual and the latest research findings of the Shanghai Index, officially known as the Global Urban Monitoring Framework — Shanghai Adapted Index.

Moreover, the Global Award for Sustainable Development in Cities, also known as the Shanghai Award, will be presented overseas for the first time at this year's World Cities Day in Alexandria, Egypt, spreading the important concepts of a people-oriented city internationally.

Co-founded by UN-Habitat and the Shanghai government, this annual accolade will be awarded to five cities worldwide that have made significant progress in sustainable urban development.

This year, the award highlights cities making notable advancements in categories such as "economic vitality and urban prosperity", "green urban development", "urban safety and resilience", and "capacity building for sustainable urban development".

Looking ahead, Rossbach wishes to deepen the connotations of the World Cities Day platform, strengthen cooperation between UN Habitat and China through this platform, and continue to increase the international influence of the Shanghai Award, the Shanghai Manual and the Shanghai Index.

More cities and partners will be invited to join this platform, exploring cooperation in the field of human settlements, strengthening partnerships with various cities in China, and leveraging UN-Habitat's expertise in urban sustainable development to jointly enhance cities and quality of life, she said.

haonan@chinadaily.com.cn