Page 4 - U4SSC - A UN initiative

U4SCC as a solution

Multiple challenges such as knowledge gaps, limited finances, lack of coordination
among actors, the absence of monitoring tools for policy implementation,
emergencies and the impact of natural and human-made disasters and climate
change can be roadblocks on the path towards sustainable urban development.

In order to help national and local governments to overcome these challenges,
the United for Smart Sustainable Cities Initiative (U4SSC) was established in 2016.
Partner UN organisations and agencies that work together to implement U4SSC
include CBD, ECLAC, FAO, UNDP, UNECA, UNESCO, UNEP, UNEP-FI, UNFCCC,

UNIDO, UNOP, UNU-EGOV, UN-Women and WMO. The secretariat of the initiative
is provided jointly by International Telecommunication Union (ITU), UN-Habitat
and United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE).

The goal

The goal of the U4SSC initiative is to promote ‘smart sustainable city’ approaches
that support the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and help to achieve its

Sustainable Development Goals - especially SDG 11: “Make cities and human
settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable”.

A smart sustainable city is an innovative city that uses ICTs and other means
to improve quality of life, efficiency of urban operation and services, and
competitiveness, while ensuring that it meets the needs of present and
future generations with respect to economic, social, environmental as well

as cultural aspects.

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