The book provides comparative information about the materialization of the 2030 Agenda in urban policy in ten countries located in Europe and Latin America. The Declaration of Quito is the starting point for the implementation of SDGs into public policies in urban areas. However, there are fewer efforts to understand the impact that the 2030 Agenda and, specifically, the instruments developed for its application in cities. The information of each country is presented in relation to two aspects: the construction of a public policy style in each country and the results and impacts on urban public policies implemented in specific cities within the national frameworks. The first means the emergence of a public policy framework and its materialization in public policy instruments. In this regard, the book raises the following questions: To what extent have the SDGs come to generate a common framework for cities in the countries? And how Urban SDGs are translated to national urban policies? The second, results and impacts at the local level, is related to two aspects: a) substantive: the goals of the policy and b) procedural: management aspects related to the policy design, governance, and institutional capacity building.

In the face of megatrends such as globalisation, climate and demographic change, digitalisation and urbanisation, many cities and regions are grappling with critical challenges to preserve social inclusion, foster economic growth and transition to the low carbon economy. The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set the global agenda for the coming decade to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. A Territorial Approach to the Sustainable Development Goals argues that cities and regions play a critical role in this paradigm shift and need to embrace the full potential of the SDGs as a policy tool to improve people's lives. The report estimates that at least 105 of the 169 SDG targets will not be reached without proper engagement of sub-national governments. It analyses how cities and regions are increasingly using the SDGs to design and implement their strategies, policies and plans; promote synergies across sectoral domains; and engage stakeholders in policy making. The report proposes an OECD localised indicator framework that measures the distance towards the SDGs for more than 600 regions and 600 cities in OECD and partner countries. The report concludes with a Checklist for Public Action to help policy makers implement a territorial approach to the SDGs.

This book explores Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11, providing insights into viable pathways and policy designs for a transition towards sustainable, inclusive and resilient cities. The volume discusses existing scientific literature on SDG 11 and provides conceptual frameworks relating to systemic transitions, sectoral transitions and behavioural transitions for overcoming challenges related to governance and implementation. Through detailed case studies from cities and settlements, in Europe, Middle East and Asia, it showcases the dynamic processes involved in urban transformations. Drawing from these comparative analyses, the book provides robust frameworks and tools for better solutions and viable pathways to achieve SDG targets in diverse urban settings. Rich in empirical data, this book will be useful for scholars and researchers of development studies, environment studies, urban studies, urban sociology, political economy, political studies, public policy and sociology. It will also be useful for policy makers, professionals, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and think tanks working in the area of sustainable development and urban planning.

Available Open Access under CC-BY-NC licence. Reporting on the innovative, transdisciplinary research on sustainable urbanisation undertaken by Mistra Urban Futures, a highly influential research centre based in Sweden (2010-19), this book builds on the Policy Press title Rethinking Sustainable Cities to make a significant contribution to evolving theory about comparative urban research. Highlighting important methodological experiences from across a variety of diverse contexts in Africa and Europe, this book surveys key experiences and summarises lessons learned from the Mistra Urban Futures' global research platforms. It demonstrates best practice for developing and deploying different forms of transdisciplinary co-production, covering topics including neighbourhood transformation and housing justice, sustainable urban and transport development, urban food security and cultural heritage.

This report introduces the Framework for Policy Coherence for Sustainable Development (PCSD) - a screening tool that aims to support governments in designing and implementing coherent policies.

In a rapidly urbanizing and globalized world, cities have been the epicentres of COVID-19 (coronavirus). The virus has spread to virtually all parts of the world; first, among globally connected cities, then through community transmission and from the city to the countryside. This report shows that the intrinsic value of sustainable urbanization can and should be harnessed for the wellbeing of all. It provides evidence and policy analysis of the value of urbanization from an economic, social and environmental perspective. It also explores the role of innovation and technology, local governments, targeted investments and the effective implementation of the New Urban Agenda in fostering the value of sustainable urbanization.

The concept of ‘sustainable urban development’ has been pushed to the forefront of policymaking and politics as the world wakes up to the impacts of climate change and the destructive effects of the Anthropocene. Climate change has emerged to be one of the biggest challenges faced by our planet today, threatening both built and natural systems with long-term consequences, which may be irreversible. While there is a vast body of literature on sustainability and sustainable urban development, there is currently limited focus on how to cohesively bring together the vital issues of the planning, development, and management of sustainable cities. Moreover, it has been widely stated that current practices and lifestyles cannot continue if we are to leave a healthy living planet to not only the next generation, but also to the generations beyond. The current global school strikes for climate action (known as Fridays for Future) evidences this. The book advocates the view that the focus needs to rest on ways in which our cities and industries can become green enough to avoid urban ecocide. This book fills a gap in the literature by bringing together issues related to the planning, development, and management of cities and focusing on a triple-bottom-line approach to sustainability.

This book highlights the value of sustainability science in newly emerging and innovative approaches to research, education, capacity building and practice in order to transform rhetoric into impact sustainability. Presenting case studies from various industries, sectors and geographical contexts targeting the seventeen (Sustainable development Goals (SDGs) outlined in the 2030 Agenda, it provides insightful recommendations to create sustainable impact while at the same time achieving the global goals. The book addresses the fundamental question of how sustainability rehtoric can be transformed into impact sustainability research, education and capacity building and as a result, how existing approaches in science, curricula and practice are mitigating the demands emerging from addressing global sustainable development in an impactful and innovative manner. Providing recommendations for impact sustainability in science, curriculum on how to address pressing sustainability issues and contribute toward achieving the SDGs, this book is an essential reference for both academics and professionals.

Report presents a series of analyses and recommendations for fostering the role of culture for sustainable development. Drawing on a global survey implemented with nine regional partners and insights from scholars, NGOs and urban thinkers, the report offers a global overview of urban heritage safeguarding, conservation and management, as well as the promotion of cultural and creative industries, highlighting their role as resources for sustainable urban development. Report is intended as a policy framework document to support governments in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Urban Development and the New Urban Agenda.

On 25 September 2015, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted Resolution 70/1, “Transforming our World: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”. Also known as 2030 Agenda, the document lays out 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the realm of ecology, society and economy. The current book focuses on three of these goals: SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions; SDG 3: Health and Wellbeing; SDG 11: Cities and Sustainable Communities. It is critical that interdisciplinary approaches go one step further and translate more effectively into intersectoral policies. This is particularly vital when it comes to urban planning and health. This book address the key question: In the context of a growing influence of European Union policies at a national level, can SDGs simultaneously contribute to harmonising sectoral policies and promoting intersectoral policies? Claiming a growing convergence between health and spatial planning, the main goal of the book is to formulate an answer to the following question: how can policymakers translate the SDGs effectively into public policies in order to improve cities, health and wellbeing?