The theme of WUF11, Transforming Our Cities for a Better Urban Future, will highlight a state of informed preparedness that provides us with the opportunity to anticipate change, correct the course of action if necessary, and become more knowledgeable on the different possibilities that the future of cities offers. It also illuminates the ways that policy, strategies and actions can promote desirable futures.
The long-term prospects point to a world that will continue to urbanize over the next decade - from 56% as is currently the case to 60% by 2030, with urban areas expected to absorb virtually all the future growth of the world’s population. Sustainable urbanization provides the basis and prosperity that are crucial to the global efforts to build back better, stronger, greener, safer and smarter from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and get the world back on track to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Once viewed primarily through the lens of challenges to be addressed, urban areas are now crucial to securing sustainable economic, social and environmental futures.
WUF11 will provide greater insights and clarity on the future of cities based on existing trends, challenges and opportunities, as well as disruptive conditions, including the valuable lessons that cities have learned from the ongoing pandemic, and suggest ways cities can be better prepared to address future pandemics and a wide range of other shocks.
Contact email: unhabitat-wuf@un.org