UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon told mayors and regional authorities that cities have a central role to play in realizing the paradigm shift to sustainable development.
He called for the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD, or Rio+20) to produce an outcome that is both practical and transformational, and stressed the need to prioritize sustainable urbanization within a broader development framework.
23 April 2012: Addressing the High-level Delegation of Mayors and Regional Authorities meeting in New York, US, on 23 April 2012, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon stressed the need to prioritize sustainable urbanization within a broader development framework, noting that sustainable cities are crucial to humanity’s future wellbeing.
Highlighting the need for the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD, or Rio+20) to produce an outcome that is both practical and transformational, Ban suggested that cities have a central role to play in making the much-needed paradigm shift a reality. He called for sound national urban strategies, balanced regional development policies, and strengthened urban economic and legal frameworks. Ban, emphasizing that the fight for sustainability will be “won or lost in the cities,” said that Rio+20 must prioritize sustainable development in the broader development agenda.
Kadir Topbaş, Mayor of Istanbul, called for cities to be an integral part of achieving sustainable development. Maria Luiza Ribeiro, Permanent Representative of Brazil to the UN, noted Brazil’s conviction that cities are “laboratories” for sustainable development. Joan Clos, Executive Director, UN-HABITAT, underscored the need for political will to address urbanization in the context of sustainability and climate change. Ambassador Albert Chua, Co-Chair of the Friends of Sustainable Cities, outlined the work of the Friends of Sustainable Cities group, noting the proposal for an “e-platform” to encourage dialogue among stakeholders.
On the inputs to Rio+20 from local and regional governments, María Sol Corral, Deputy Mayor, Quito, called for incorporating cities within the framework of the international development agenda. David Cadman, ICLEI, suggested that cities must become the green hubs of the global economy.
Paúl Carrasco, President of the Province of Azuay, called for articulating development to achieve social justice and fairness in the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Lluís Recoder i Miralles, Co-Chair for the North, nrg4SD, noted the need for a clear roadmap to a green economy with quantifiable targets and plans.
On international governance, Antonio Costa, Mayor of Lisbon, said that decentralized cooperation is an excellent vehicle for innovation and exchanging lessons learned. Zoubida Allaoua, World Bank, stressed the importance of policy over financing to drive sustainability in cities.
Sebastião Almeida, Global Fund for Cities Development (FMDV), called for governments to commit to dialogues with other actors to address current urban challenges. Gérald Tremblay, Mayor of Montreal, expressed concern that city mayors may not have the opportunity to contribute in Rio+20.
In closing, Clare Short, Policy Advisory Forum, Cities Alliance, said it is “what we do after Rio+20” that makes a difference. [Statement of UN Secretary-General] [IISD RS coverage of side event]