Cities key for global recovery from COVID-19, UN says

Despite having been the epicenter of the coronavirus pandemic that has so far infected over 45 million people across the globe and killed more than 1 million, cities will be critical for global recovery from the pandemic impact ends, according to a new report by the UN-Habitat.

Released on Saturday during the global observance of the World Cities Day, the report titled, The Value for Sustainable Urbanization, said when well-planned and managed cities create value, which is the totality of the economic, social, environmental and intangible conditions, outcomes have the potential to improve quality of life of residents in meaningful and tangible ways.

It said protection and enhancement of green spaces and infrastructure can support disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation goals and provide employment, all of which are key to maintaining and enhancing the value of urbanization.

In his foreword to the report, Antonio Guterres, the UN secretary-general, said the pandemic has exposed deep inequalities and demonstrated that tackling the virus is more challenging in urban areas, where access to quality healthcare is uneven, housing inadequate, water and sanitation lacking, transport infrastructure patchy and jobs precarious.

"With appropriate policies and supportive frameworks, resilient cities with improved housing and infrastructure can bounce back from the devastating impacts of disasters, including pandemics," Guterres said.

Maimunah Mohd Sharif, the UN-Habitat executive director, said in the midst of the gloom created by the coronavirus, urban areas offer a glimmer of hope as cities and front line agencies have a key role to play in turning this grim situation around.

"Sustainable urbanization can play a key role in the Decade of Action to accelerate growth and shared prosperity to advance the achievement of the sustainable development goals by 2030," Sharif said.

The report said when nature-based solutions are incorporated into design and management, urban areas can benefit from multiple ecosystem services including carbon sequestration, local climate regulation, storm water capture and water and air purification.

It said cities have the necessary population size, technological capability and institutional knowledge to adopt green economy initiatives at scale, like switching to renewable energy.

According to the report, the value of sustainable urbanization can be unlocked once various planning, finance and governance conditions are in place.

It called on national governments to create an environment that empowers local governments to raise revenue, regulate land use, plan for urban growth, limit urban sprawl and relieve overcrowded housing.

The report said local governments should collect revenue to improve municipal services and public spaces.