GOAL 11: SUSTAINABLE CITIES AND COMMUNITIES

Culture as a tool for inclusive, safe and sustainable cities

Objective 11: Sustainable cities and communities aims to convert urban centres into sustainable cities, guaranteeing access for the entire population to adequate, affordable and safe housing, basic services and means of transport. Furthermore, cities must be sustainable through the reduction of negative impacts on the environment, the enhancement of green areas and safe and inclusive public spaces, with specific attention to the suburbs. Finally, the preservation of cultural heritage must be guaranteed.

The latter aspect falls under sub-objective 11.4, which intends to increase efforts for the protection and safeguarding of heritage worldwide.

Cultural heritage has the potential to strengthen the identity and sense of belonging of local communities, creating job opportunities and stimulating dialogue between different communities. This makes it possible to encourage social inclusion, especially of the most vulnerable and marginalized groups. Particular attention is paid to the protection of heritage from inappropriate urbanization and development processes, disasters, climate change and other anthropogenic agents.