Sustainable Development Goals: Monitoring Human Settlements Indicators

Today, more than half the world’s population lives in cities. By 2030, it is projected that 6 in 10 people will be urban dwellers. By 2050, the figure will have risen to 6.5 billion people; representing two-thirds of all civilization. Taking into account the increasing rural to urban migration and the rapid growth of cities in the developing world, it is clear that cities face a myriad of problems that may hinder planned growth and development. Despite numerous planning challenges, it is from these cities, that benefits of economies of scale are realized leading to proper provision of goods and services all of which eventually become inclusive. With sound planning and management, cities can transform into incubation centres for innovation and growth, and drivers of sustainable development.