Model UN Background Guide

Committee: Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)

Topic: Urbanization and Sustainable Development Goal 11 (SDG 11)

Conference Year: 2026

Topic Background

Urbanization has been one of the defining demographic trends of the 21st century. Since 2007, more than half of the world’s population has lived in urban areas, a figure projected to reach nearly 70% by 2050. This rapid urban growth presents both opportunities and challenges for sustainable development. Urban centers are engines of economic growth, innovation, and cultural exchange, but they also face increasing pressures on infrastructure, housing, transportation, and environmental sustainability.

Sustainable Development Goal 11, adopted in 2015 as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, specifically aims to “make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.” SDG 11 addresses critical urban issues such as affordable housing, sustainable transport, inclusive urbanization, reducing the environmental impact of cities, and safeguarding cultural heritage.

The urgency of this topic on the ECOSOC agenda in 2026 stems from several factors. First, the COVID-19 pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in urban systems, from health infrastructure to housing security, highlighting the need for resilient urban planning. Second, climate change continues to disproportionately impact cities, especially coastal megacities and informal settlements, increasing the risk of disasters and displacement. Third, technological advancements and the rise of “smart cities” have introduced new governance and equity challenges. Finally, the halfway point to the 2030 Agenda calls for renewed international commitment to accelerate progress on SDG 11, especially in light of widening inequalities and persistent urban poverty.

Key Actors

States

• China and India: Home to some of the fastest-growing urban populations, these countries are pivotal actors in urbanization policies, infrastructure investment, and sustainable development innovation. They focus on balancing rapid urban growth with environmental sustainability and social inclusion.
• European Union Member States: The EU promotes integrated urban policies emphasizing sustainability, green infrastructure, and social cohesion, often advocating for strong regulatory frameworks and funding mechanisms.
• United States: Focuses on technological innovation and public-private partnerships in urban development, with an emphasis on resilience and smart city initiatives.
• African Union Member States: Many African nations face rapid urban population growth with limited infrastructure, making affordable housing, basic services, and informal settlement upgrading key priorities.
• Brazil and Latin American Countries: These countries often emphasize participatory urban governance, social inclusion, and addressing informal settlements (favelas) as part of sustainable urban development.

International Organizations

• United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat): The lead UN agency for sustainable urbanization, providing normative guidance, data, and technical assistance to member states.
• World Bank and Regional Development Banks: Major financiers of urban infrastructure projects, focusing on sustainable transport, water and sanitation, and housing.
• United Nations Development Programme (UNDP): Works on governance, resilience, and equitable urban development, often in partnership with local governments.
• International Labour Organization (ILO): Engages on decent work and social protection in urban economies, including informal sector challenges.
• ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability: A global network of cities advocating for sustainable urban policies and climate action at the local level.

Bloc Positions

1. Developed Countries (e.g., EU, USA, Japan, Canada)

Developed countries generally emphasize innovation, technology-driven solutions (smart cities, digital infrastructure), and climate resilience. They advocate for strong regulatory frameworks to reduce urban pollution and greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable transport. They often push for partnerships with the private sector and emphasize urban governance reforms.

2. Emerging Economies and BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa)

This bloc balances rapid urban expansion with sustainability. They highlight the need for substantial investment in infrastructure, affordable housing, and upgrading informal settlements. They often call for increased international financing and technology transfer while emphasizing national sovereignty over urban policies.

3. Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and African States

Urbanization in many LDCs is characterized by informal settlements and inadequate basic services. This bloc stresses the need for international support in capacity-building, financing, and technology to address housing deficits, sanitation, and urban poverty. They advocate for inclusive urban policies that prioritize marginalized groups and call for flexible frameworks acknowledging their development challenges.

4. Latin American and Caribbean States

This group highlights social inclusion, participatory urban governance, and addressing inequalities within cities. They often focus on informal settlements, crime prevention, and cultural heritage preservation. They tend to advocate for integrated approaches that combine social policies with urban planning.

Past UN Action

• Resolution 70/1 (2015): The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, including SDG 11, which sets the global framework for sustainable urban development.
• Resolution 66/207 (2011): Recognizing the role of sustainable urbanization in development and the establishment of World Habitat Day to raise awareness.
• Resolution 71/256 (2017): Endorsed the New Urban Agenda, adopted at Habitat III, which provides a global strategy for sustainable urban development.
• ECOSOC Resolution 2019/12: Focused on strengthening the role of UN-Habitat and promoting integrated urban policies.
• Annual reports by UN-Habitat: Provide data and policy recommendations on urbanization trends, challenges, and best practices.

Questions a Resolution Should Answer

1. How can member states enhance international cooperation and financing mechanisms to support sustainable urban infrastructure in developing countries?
2. What policies can be promoted to ensure affordable, adequate, and safe housing for all, including marginalized and informal settlement populations?
3. How can cities integrate climate resilience and disaster risk reduction into urban planning and development?
4. What role should technology and innovation play in advancing SDG 11, and how can digital divides be addressed?
5. How can urban governance be improved to foster inclusivity, participation, and equity in rapidly growing cities?
6. What measures are needed to reduce the environmental impact of cities, particularly regarding air quality, waste management, and green spaces?
7. How can cultural heritage preservation be balanced with urban growth and modernization?

Further Reading

• UN Documents and Reports: Key sources include the annual World Cities Report by UN-Habitat, ECOSOC resolutions and reports, and Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) on SDG implementation submitted by member states. These provide official data, policy frameworks, and progress assessments.
• Think-Tank and Research Institute Publications: Reports from institutions such as the Brookings Institution, the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED), and the Urban Institute offer in-depth analysis of urbanization trends, policy challenges, and innovative solutions. These often provide case studies and policy recommendations relevant to different regions.
• Reputable News Outlets and Specialized Media: Coverage by outlets like The Guardian’s Cities section, Al Jazeera’s development reporting, and specialized urban affairs publications (e.g., CityLab) provide current events, expert opinions, and emerging debates on urbanization and sustainability. These sources help contextualize the evolving challenges and innovations in urban development.

This background guide aims to equip delegates with a comprehensive understanding of the complexities surrounding urbanization and SDG 11, enabling informed debate and effective resolution drafting in ECOSOC 2026.