WUF11 KATOWICE

In 2015, the United Nations celebrated its 70th anniversary. The moment seemed appropriate for representatives of its constituent states, gathered at the Sustainable Development Summit held in New York, to adopt a new plan for world development until 2030 (AGENDA 2030). Concurrently, global sustainable development goals were developed, along with 169 tasks to be accomplished. At the same time, all member countries were encouraged to take action to implement these undertakings.

The goals presented by the UN are extremely ambitious and pose serious challenges for cities. On the one hand, they are a continuation of the Millennium Development Goals, especially in the areas that were not achieved at that time, and on the other hand, they have been prepared on the basis of the results of previous public consultations, with the involvement of many actors around the world whose voices focused on the needs of the poorest and most vulnerable individuals. Last but not least, the goals were developed with respect for international law and are based on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, international human rights treaties and other policy documents.

- During the World Urban Forum (WUF11) we will be engaged in a discussion on the problems of contemporary cities. The analysis of Katowice's activities on many levels: social, economic and environmental, carried out by us in 2020 in terms of the seventeen sustainable development goals, has helped us to identify those areas which will be worth talking about during the WUF, says Marcin Krupa, Mayor of Katowice.

While preparing to host WUF11, Katowice did not forget about its citizens who could learn about the World Urban Forum and the seventeen objectives of sustainable development during a campaign dedicated to them.

First, billboards appeared in the city space, whose content directed Katowice's citizens' attention towards the trends of development indicated by the UN. Next, an installation decorated with green elements and made of recycled materials was placed in the Katowice market square, which presented the city's activities. It was complemented by another, slightly smaller installation, still available in the shop window of the building at Rynek 13.

The campaign was also conducted online. In social media and on this website, using the logotype and icons dedicated to the project, successive Sustainable Development Goals were presented together with information on how Katowice is meeting the challenges set by the UN. You can now read the full analysis of the city's actions below.

In addition, each of the entities in the city implementing specific sustainable development goals had the opportunity to receive a special dedicated label informing about their involvement in the activities identified by the UN as a priority in global development, which they could stick in a visible place. Interested parties can still receive the label. Details

During the WUF11 conference in Katowice, a "Roadmap for Cities" will be presented, which will be prepared in line with the global Sustainable Development Goals. It will be a catalogue of actions changing cities into green, accessible and productive places.

- WUF11 is an opportunity for Poland to show the international community how it is trying to achieve a sustainable future for its cities and settlements. Katowice is a great example of urban regeneration. I am convinced that we can build on this example and share this experience in 2022 - said Maimunah Mohd Sharif, the Executive Director of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme UN-Habitat, during one of the press conferences.

Are you interested in issues of the contemporary cities and their development on a social, economic and environmental level? Do you want to be a part of the international community working for a sustainable future of cities and neighborhoods? Join the group of volunteers of the World Urban Forum held in June in Katowice - the capital of a metropolis with two million residents.