Spatial Inclusion in Cities: Regional Trends Report

Spatial Inclusion in Cities scans six regions—Asia-Pacific, Europe & Central Asia, Latin America & the Caribbean, MENA, North America, and Sub-Saharan Africa—to show how inclusion is advancing and where gaps persist. It clarifies socio-spatial inequality and defines spatial inclusion as improving access, proximity, and connectivity to housing, services, and opportunities for all, with participation at the core. 

Produced under UN-Habitat’s Flagship Programme 1 “Inclusive Communities, Thriving Cities,” the report distils regional insights, visuals, and urban regeneration cases to inspire practical local action.

It flags megatrends shaping inclusion: rapid urbanization, intensifying climate risks, expanding conflict, and ageing societies.  In response, it spotlights scalable solutions—15-minute-city approaches, safe and sustainable mobility (SUMPs), community-led “urban commoning,” and nature-based solutions that deliver social co-benefits. 

Across chapters, the throughline is evidence, participation, and risk-sensitive regeneration—so cities can reduce inequalities, protect rights, and strengthen resilience.