Sustainable urban development

The Arab region is experiencing a remarkable surge in urban development, with rates of urbanization differing from one country to another. As cities grow, there is an urgent need to develop policies that are inclusive, sustainable and informed, to ensure that urban development aligns with global sustainability goals and that it benefits everyone.

Committed to sustainable development in the Arab region, ESCWA employs its extensive knowledge networks to support Arab countries in integrating urban growth considerations into their national development strategies. The success of these urban initiatives predominantly depends on the capacity of local Governments to craft comprehensive and flexible strategies that span different sectors and bring together various stakeholders.

Our approach

ESCWA contributes to strengthening the capacities of local authorities in their mission to implement urban change, providing them with support in formulating effective, equitable and well-informed urban policies. Through its initiatives, ESCWA facilitates and advocates for a cohesive alignment between local and national policies, to adhere and contribute to the 2030 Agenda and the New Urban Agenda. This includes localizing the SDGs and reviewing the progress of cities towards their implementation, building urban resilience and planning for recovery from possible man-made and/or natural disasters.

ESCWA also supports local authorities in providing smart and digital solutions for urban development and in the transformation into smart sustainable cities.

Our partners

UN-Habitat, United Nations regional commissions, United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA), United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), United Cities and Local Governments – Middle East and West Asia Section (UCLG-MEWA), ministries of local development, municipalities and relevant urban stakeholders.

Our activities

ESCWA is addressing different facets of urban development in the Arab region. It leads pioneering initiatives related to localization of the SDGs and supports cities and local authorities in showcasing their progress through the development of Voluntary Local Reviews (VLRs). ESCWA, through its localization efforts, assists in strengthening the capacities of localities, increasing the effectiveness of city planning and development projects and fostering the local-national development dialogue and policy coherence.

By strengthening the capacities of local authorities, ESCWA empowers them to implement innovative solutions tailored to their unique challenges. Additionally, by promoting smart sustainable cities, ESCWA emphasizes the use of innovative technologies and sustainable practices to enhance urban development and environmental sustainability. ESCWA is also leading global efforts in ensuring that Quality of Life is at the centre of discussions related to sustainable urban development, in order to develop coherent approaches to monitor and implement related projects.

The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of building urban economic resilience to withstand such global challenges and ensure the continuity and recovery of local economies. ESCWA is helping city Governments in Arab countries to strengthen their economies and be more resilient by evaluating needs, improving skills, involving key people, planning for tough times, sharing successful strategies, and spreading knowledge.