The Future of Urban Sustainability: Empowering Communities to Shape World Cities

World Cities Day 2023: Communities and Movements Shaping Sustainable Cities

World Cities Day, celebrated annually on October 31st, brings attention to the importance of urban areas and their impact on our planet. With more than half of the global population residing in cities, the way we build and manage urban areas holds the key to a sustainable future. The role of communities and movements in shaping environmentally conscious cities cannot be underestimated. Greenpeace International recently commissioned a Global Opinion Poll in seven major cities across the Global South, shedding light on the concerns of urban residents and emphasizing the urgency of the issues we face.

Inspiring Examples from Global South Cities

Cities like Jakarta, Manila, Delhi, Bogota, Bangalore, São Paulo, and Nairobi face unique challenges due to rapid urbanization, but they also offer inspiring examples of community-led, people-powered solutions for climate change and sustainability.

Bogota, Colombia: Promoting Active Lifestyles and Reducing Carbon Emissions

Bogota’s “Ciclovía” program, which has been in place since 1974, opens streets to cyclists and pedestrians every Sunday. This initiative promotes active lifestyles and reduces carbon emissions through community engagement.

Jakarta, Indonesia: Participatory Approaches in Urban Planning and Development

The “Kota Kita” initiative in Jakarta works on participatory approaches in urban planning and development, collaborating closely with local communities. Their focus areas include urban governance, inclusivity, and resilience.

Nairobi, Kenya: Creating Green and Safe Places

“Komb Green Solutions” is a community-based organization in Korogocho, Nairobi, working with young people to create green and safe places along the Nairobi River. In addition to their environmental initiatives, they also offer loans for entrepreneurial ideas and train other youth groups in ecosystem restoration. They even have an official partnership with the Nairobi county government.

Bengaluru, India: Promoting Participatory Democracy and Accountability

“Janaagraha” in Bengaluru began as a movement to promote participatory democracy at the neighborhood level. They now work on resolving issues related to services and infrastructure through participation, as well as reforming the systems that deliver them, ensuring high standards of accountability and transparency.

Manila, Philippines: Advocating for Safer and More Inclusive Public Transportation

In Manila, the “Move as One” coalition works with vulnerable communities to advocate for policies and programs that ensure safer and more inclusive public transportation. Their work started during the COVID-19 pandemic to support frontline workers and has now expanded to focus on long-term improvements.

Brazil: Grassroots Protests for Social Change

In 2013, cities across Brazil witnessed grassroots protests against various social issues, starting with a rise in bus fares and expanding to encompass broader issues such as corruption and the cost of hosting a World Cup. These protests highlight the power of urban movements in bringing about social change.

Delhi, India: Mass Movement Against Corruption and Air Pollution

In 2011, Delhi witnessed a mass movement against institutionalized corruption, with thousands of people protesting for the introduction of a Citizen’s Ombudsman Bill. This movement had far-reaching effects on Indian politics, demonstrating the potential for urban movements to initiate change. In Delhi, various groups, including mothers, construction workers, and doctors, have come together to tackle air pollution and advocate for cleaner air.

Invisible Voices within Urban Society

While these success stories demonstrate the potential of urban movements, it is essential to recognize that millions of people still remain invisible within urban society. Women, children, the elderly, and LGBTQ+ communities face various barriers and forms of invisibility due to class, caste, and racial disparities. The basic tenets of clean air, drinking water, and access to shelter are still under threat today, further exacerbated by the climate crisis.

It is crucial to acknowledge that urban movements sparked by the shared demands of marginalized communities have a profound impact. These demands, such as clean air, clean water, and equitable access to services, form the foundation of sustainable cities. By placing the controls in the hands of those whose voices are rarely heard, we can work towards a more inclusive and sustainable future.

Supporting Communities and Movements

Greenpeace International, in collaboration with the Urban Movement Innovation Fund and Clima e Mobilidade, has launched the Urban Movements Map on World Cities Day 2023. This initiative aims to connect urban movements around the globe and provide shared resources for collective action. It serves as a reminder that the path to sustainable cities begins with the empowerment of communities and movements.

Building Livable and Sustainable Urban Environments

The success stories from cities in the Global South highlight the effectiveness and inspiration that local solutions bring. By supporting communities and movements, we can collectively work towards urban environments that are not only livable but also sustainable. Inclusive and equitable urban planning, participation in decision-making processes, and prioritizing the needs of marginalized communities are vital steps towards a brighter future for our cities and the planet.

Pujarini Sen is a member of the Greenpeace International Urban Justice campaign team.

Sustainability–sustainability,urbanplanning,communityempowerment,worldcities,urbandevelopment