Sustainable Cities and Communities

Over the past century, the proportion of the world’s urban population has increased from 13% to 55%. Today, cities are centres of intellectual activity, trade, culture, science, and social development. It is in them that the economic and social evolution of man takes place. Urbanization of the planet leads to a number of problems, including overcrowding, social inequality, poverty, lack of comfortable housing, degradation of infrastructure, as well as irrational use of energy resources and accumulation of household waste. Urban planning directly affects the environmental safety and quality of human life. Among the consequences of poorly planned urbanization are slums, convoluted streets, rising greenhouse gas emissions and sprawling suburbs which can be seen all over the world.

Sustainable future for populated areas suggests urban infrastructure which makes allowance for the interests of all segments of the population, adequate energy supply, efficient transport system, and many other aspects. Particular emphasis is placed on improving the resilience and safety of cities in order to avoid human, social and economic losses.

The purpose of the session is to identify problems and ways to address the issues of creating environmentally, economically and socially sustainable urban environments which provide a high quality of life for current and future generations. This includes efficient use of resources, reduction of emissions and pollution, access to quality services, green spaces and public transport, affordable housing, and management of city systems to minimize the negative impact on the environment, maintain social justice and inclusiveness.