Increase in Urbanization and Consequential Increase in Demand Egypt

The increase in urbanization is one of the most significant global trends of the 21st century. As more and more people move from rural areas to cities, the demand for housing, infrastructure, and basic services is growing exponentially. This shift has profound implications for social, economic, and environmental sustainability. Despite efforts to develop urban policies in many countries, including Egypt, the gap between social groups in urban communities has widened, and the vulnerability and deprivation of the poor have increased. This essay will explore the challenges and opportunities presented by the increase in urbanization, with a focus on Sustainable Development Goal 11 and the New Urban Agenda.

The rapid increase in urbanization has led to a significant rise in the demand for housing and basic urban services. By 2050, it is projected that 70% of the global population will live in urban areas. This demographic shift puts immense pressure on cities to provide adequate housing, sanitation, and public services. The shortage of affordable housing has led to the proliferation of slums and informal settlements, particularly in developing countries. In 2022, approximately 1.12 billion people lived in slums or slum-like conditions, with the highest concentrations in Central and Southern Asia, Eastern and South-Eastern Asia, and sub-Saharan Africa. The lack of basic services in these areas exacerbates the vulnerability of the poor and undermines social cohesion.

The increase in urbanization has also widened the gap between different social groups in urban communities. Cities often become centres of economic opportunity, but the benefits are not evenly distributed. The poor and marginalized groups often find themselves in precarious living conditions, lacking access to quality education, healthcare, and employment opportunities. This disparity is further compounded by the high cost of living in urban areas, which can push low-income families into debt and poverty. The result is a growing divide between the affluent and the poor, leading to social unrest and instability.

The Sustainable Development Goal 11 aims to address the challenges posed by the increase in urbanization by making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. This goal encompasses a range of targets, including providing safe and affordable housing, upgrading slums, improving public transport, and reducing the environmental impact of cities. By 2030, SDG 11 seeks to ensure that all segments of society have access to adequate housing and basic services, thereby promoting social justice and reducing inequality.

One of the key targets of SDG 11 is to provide access to safe, affordable, and sustainable transport systems for all by 2030. This includes expanding public transport and improving road safety, with special attention to vulnerable groups such as women, children, persons with disabilities, and older persons. Another important target is to enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization by promoting participatory, integrated, and sustainable human settlement planning and management. This involves balancing urban growth with environmental sustainability and ensuring that cities are resilient to natural disasters and climate change.

In 2016, the United Nations Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development, known as Habitat III, was held in Quito, Ecuador. This landmark event marked the first UN global summit on urbanization since the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The conference culminated in the adoption of the New Urban Agenda, which set global standards for sustainable urban development. The New Urban Agenda emphasizes the importance of achieving the full right to adequate housing as a component of the right to an adequate standard of living without discrimination.

The New Urban Agenda commits to encouraging national and local housing policies that provide the right to adequate housing for all. It calls for a comprehensive approach to address the urban housing crisis, including providing varied housing options and equitable access to basic services. The Agenda also highlights the need for sustainable urban planning and management to ensure that cities are resilient to disasters and climate change. By integrating global visions into national frameworks, countries like Egypt have taken pioneering steps to align their development goals with the New Urban Agenda.

Egypt has been at the forefront of integrating global visions into its national development framework. With the launch of Egypt’s Vision for Sustainable Development 2030, the country has set ambitious goals to achieve sustainable urban development. This vision aligns with the Sustainable Development Goal 11 and the New Urban Agenda, emphasizing the need for inclusive and sustainable urbanization. Egypt’s efforts include developing national and local housing policies to provide adequate housing for all segments of society, upgrading slums, and improving urban infrastructure.

Despite these efforts, Egypt, like many other countries, faces significant challenges in achieving its sustainable development goals. The rapid increase in urbanization has put pressure on existing infrastructure and services, leading to issues such as traffic congestion, air pollution, and inadequate public transport. However, the commitment to sustainable urban development remains strong, and Egypt continues to invest in policies and projects that promote social justice and environmental sustainability.

The increase in urbanization presents both challenges and opportunities for sustainable development. While the rapid growth of cities has led to increased demand for housing and services, it has also widened social inequalities and increased the vulnerability of the poor. The Sustainable Development Goal 11 and the New Urban Agenda provide a comprehensive framework for addressing these challenges and promoting inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities. Countries like Egypt have taken significant steps to integrate these global visions into their national development frameworks, demonstrating the importance of a coordinated approach to sustainable urbanization. As the world continues to urbanize, we must prioritize policies and practices that ensure a better quality of life for all urban residents, while protecting the environment and promoting social justice.