Page 64 - U4SSC Factsheet, Mashhad, Iran (Islamic Republic of), September 2021

Also, the analytical framework of the SDGs lends itself to the use of clear baselines to improve
internal planning and implementation. Other benefits include gap analysis, infusing priorities
into a budget process, cutting programming redundancies and saving resources, and tracking
outcomes. Cities can also engage across the global network of other governments and institutions
that are pursuing the 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
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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, the 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 the 21st 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, for developing and
developed countries alike. 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.

58 U4SCC Factsheet | Mashhad, Iran (Islamic Republic of) | September 2021