What exactly is this goal?: today, 54% of the world population lives in urban areas, a figure that should increase to 66% by 2050. The phenomenon of urbanization and the expansion of cities on one hand has favoured social and economic progress worldwide, but on the other hand, it has contributed to the development of degradation and poverty related to the inadequate management of natural resources at the local level, and to the scarcity or total lack of funds allocated for supporting basic services and adequate housing facilities for everybody. Currently, 828 million people live in cities in conditions of degradation and urban poverty. SDG 11 aims to transform urban centers into sustainable cities through the access for everyone to affordable and safe housing, basic services and adequate public transportation, especially for those who are most vulnerable. In addition, the cities of the future must be green, a goal which is achievable through the reduction of negative impacts on the environment, the development of safe and inclusive green areas and public spaces, with specific attention paid to the urban outskirts. Finally, the preservation of the artistic and cultural heritage must be guaranteed.

Corporate role: firms can adopt manufacturing processes that take into account the protection of the cultural and natural heritage of the area where they operate; they can promote eco-friendly transportation whether for company use or externally; invest in projects and initiatives for the protection and support of the people exposed to possible environmental disasters. The companies most connected to SDG 11 are those operating in the construction sector, but all the others can contribute too. Further information

How to measure the corporate contribution: some indicators to evaluate corporate actions include: the number, type and impact of initiatives promoting the use of sustainable modes of transport; the quantity and impact of investment in eco-friendly transport services and infrastructures; the number, type and impact of contingency measures and programmes focusing on prevention and management of disasters and emergencies; and the number and percentage of people who, at local level, have changed their residence due to noise resulting from corporate activities.