Why SDG indicator 11.3.2 is more important than you think

Why SDG indicator 11.3.2  is more important than you think
Visioning workshop for the lower Nairobi CBD with UN-Habitat and Nairobi City County

In the realm of sustainable development, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) play a crucial role in guiding global efforts. Amongst these goals, SDG 11 specifically focuses on making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. Target 11.3, a key component of this goal, emphasises enhancing inclusive and sustainable urbanisation through participatory and integrated human settlement planning. At the heart of this target lies Indicator 11.3.2, which gauges the proportion of cities with a direct participation of civil society in urban planning and management that operates regularly and democratically. Preserving this indicator is essential for several reasons.

  • It focuses on the active engagement of all stakeholders in the development of sustainable human settlements, giving special attention to vulnerable groups. 
  • It promotes civic and human rights education, making urban residents aware of their rights and roles in urban settings.  
  • It calls for the removal of barriers to the participation of socially marginalised groups, ensuring non-discrimination and full and equal participation. 

Public participation, is important as it represents a commitment to building active, inclusive, and equitable societies. It advocates a sense of ownership and responsibility among communities, encouraging active participation in the implementation and monitoring of development initiatives.  

As we progress towards 2030, the preservation of SDG 11.3.2 becomes increasingly crucial for fostering sustainable urban environments and realising the broader vision of inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities worldwide. The indicator's periodic monitoring ensures that governments and stakeholders remain accountable for promoting structures that facilitate direct, regular, and democratic civil society participation in urban planning and management.  

Help us preserve this indicator and continue to have it in the Global Goals Database by filling the survey below:

https://ourcityplans.org/sdg-11-indicator/survey