Adopting integrated policies for management of cities

Creating coherent programmes for urban management

Context

Adoption of integrated policies aiming at sustainability in the management of urban centres.

Implementation

This strategy features in the framework of Agenda 21 as formulated at UNCED (Rio de Janeiro, 1992), now coordinated by the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development and implemented through national and local authorities.

City demonstrations of the Sustainable Cities Programme (SCP) involve stakeholders around concrete issues, leading to the negotiation of joint strategies, coordinated action plans, and ultimately implementation. A primary focus of the process is its institutionalization: making the process routine. National replication of these processes multiplies the impact of international support, as does regional exchange and cooperation. Experiences at the local, national and regional levels are shared at the global level, facilitating information sharing and partnership. This has given rise to a shift in the UN technical cooperation paradigm, away from the provision of ready solutions towards the advancement of collective know-how.

Claim

Urban development and environmental management cannot be considered separately. Actions in the city affect the environment and the environment in its turn affects the city. To consider the city, or only the environment, when planning for future development is to build the development premise on a flawed and unsustainable foundation.