The Road to the SDGs

PURPOSE X The Urban Sector Policy (USP) is intended to guide all IsDB urban programmes and operations, focusing on the overarching goal of achieving a sustainable and inclusive urban development in MCs. X The scale and rapidness of urbanization cannot be underestimated amid the challenges it poses for developing countries, both positive (if it is well- managed) and negative (if countries do not have the policies and institutions capable to manage it). X Low income and lower-middle income countries are now the locus of the most rapid urban growth. In 2018, cities in those countries hosted 32% and 41% of the population respectively. By 2050, both country groupings will cross the 50% threshold with 50% and 59% of their populations living in urban areas respectively (United Nations 2019). METHOD X IsDB has introduced the USP in line with the main recommendations of the New Urban Agenda which was adopted at the Habitat III Conference in 2016 in Quito and represents a shared vision for a better and more sustainable future. X The policy is designed to fulfil three key functions: (i) provide a framework for developing programmes and projects with MCs that promote sustainable and inclusive urban development; (ii) offer a coordinating framework that harmonizes relevant IsDB sectoral and thematic policies at the policy level and builds synergies with other sectoral operational engagements; and (iii) align the USP with other corporate policies, particularly the P5P and the 10YS. It also offers a basis on which to exchange views and mobilize partnerships in promoting sustainable and inclusive urban development with other multilateral development banks, international organizations, civil society organizations and the private sector. X The policy is underpinned by five pillars, each contributing to achieving sustainable and inclusive urban development in different ways. These pillars are as follows: – Urban economy – Urban mobility Urban Sector Policy T he need to have an up-to-date Urban Sector Policy that provides a proactive vision, strategic framework, engagement tools, services and financial products is vital to both IsDB and its MCs These objectives are promoted internationally by Sustainable Development Goal 11 (SDG 11) and the commitment to work towards “leaving no one behind” Well-planned and managed urbanisation can be a powerful tool for sustainable development for both developing and developed countries [ 42 ] SDGs