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same goals. The SDGs framework is also effective at different scales, offering the opportunity to align
and harmonize policies and common goals vertically (up and down government jurisdictions), as well
as horizontally (across city agencies). Therefore, if integrated and managed well, the SDGs can help
strengthen local communities through values such as transparency, inclusion, and engagement.

New Urban Agenda

The New Urban Agenda represents a shared vision for a better and more sustainable future. It was
adopted at the UN Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development (Habitat III) in Quito,
Ecuador, on 20 October 2016. Habitat III had the convening power to bring together all actors to
identify solutions for the complex challenge of urbanization, including Member States, multilateral
organizations, local governments, private sector and civil society. It helped to systematize the alignment
between cities and towns and national planning objectives in their role as drivers of national economic
and social development.

Urbanization is an unprecedented challenge indeed. By the middle of 21st the century, four of every
five people might be living in towns and cities. Urbanization and development are inextricably linked,
and it will always be necessary to find a way to ensure the sustainability of growth.

The New Urban Agenda is premised on the basis that if well-planned and well-managed, urbanization
can be a powerful tool for sustainable development and poverty reduction in developing and developed
countries. Governments can respond to this key development opportunity by promoting a new model
of urban development that is able to integrate all facets of sustainable development to promote equity,
welfare and shared prosperity. The model would focus on all levels of human settlements, including
small rural communities, villages, market towns, intermediate cities and metropolises for social and
economic growth.

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