Sustainable and inclusive cities are essential to the post-2015 development agenda 6.02.2013

The third meeting of the High-Level Panel on the Post-2015 Development Agenda took place in Monrovia (Liberia), from 29 January to 2 February and was hosted by H.E. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, President of Liberia and Co-chair of the High-Level Panel of Eminent Persons.

The meeting’s main topic was “National Building Blocks for Sustained Prosperity” and convened discussions on Affecting economic transformation, Governance and institution building, Infrastructure and Sustainability and the necessity of Green Growth paths. Dr. Kadir Topbas voiced the views of local and regional governments and stressed that cities are motors of economic growth and that inclusive and sustainable cities are urban fabrics for future generations. “We need to use the power of cities to fight poverty. Cities are places for innovation and harmony among people”, he underlined.

UCLG President recalled that many cities are in the forefront of sustainable initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, to develop plans to adapt to climate change and mitigate natural disaster risks and promote the use of renewable energies. He emphasized the need to “localize” the future development agenda, as MDGs and targets cannot only be seen as global or national goals. Dr. Topbas called to address this deficit defining more specific targets and indicators for urban areas to:

-          Reduce inequalities –ensuring universal access to basic services (safe sufficient water, sanitation, health care, quality education, transport)

-          Improving the quality of life of slum dwellers and achieve the right to adequate housing–,

-          Improving jobs and livelihoods income for the poor –supporting local economic pro poor policies specially adapted to informal sectors–

-          Ensure environmental sustainability –improving risk prevention, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting renewable energy sources in cities.

Local governments around the world also have a key role in supporting and shaping local economies and addressing poverty through strategies for promoting youth employment, empowering marginalized communities and promoting gender equity.