The implementation of the New Urban Agenda. Our ongoing efforts after almost two years from the Habitat III conference

Abstract

Nowadays we are facing an unprecedented situation: the ‘urban’ is complex, like never before, and a great suffer comes from the humanity as a whole. The rise of poverty has generated conflicts and political instability in many countries. Equity, social justice and democracy are challenged by private interests and public space is seriously at risk. The New Urban Agenda adopted at the Habitat III conference and the related Sustainable Development Goals and their targets, with particular reference to SDG 11.7[1], recognize that public space is a key element for sustainable urban development. I strongly and passionately believe that public space is a fundamental human right, it is so precious but also so fragile that needs to be protected and preserved, if we really want to build cities for all, leaving no one behind.

[1] According to the global indicator framework, the target retlated to SDG 11.7 is: ‘By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces, in particular for women and children, older persons and persons with disabilities’ - https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/sdg11