Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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October 30, 2025 Sustainable Development Goals
According to UN estimates, by 2050, nearly 70 percent of the world's population will live in cities. Urbanization brings not only economic opportunities but also serious challenges: from increasing waste volumes and overburdened infrastructure to social vulnerability. Ahead of World Cities Day Sustainable development expert Nelya Rakhimova spoke to the UN News Service about the challenges facing modern settlements and what the city of the future might look like.
This year's World Cities Day, celebrated on October 31, is themed "People-Centred Smart Cities."
Cities and Sustainable Development
“There are numerous examples around the world of how cities can develop sustainably,” notes Rakhimova. “Especially now, when we are faced with the challenges of climate change, sustainable urban development is a solution we should all not only consider, but fully embrace.” implement into all processes".
Many megacities already include elements sustainable development In urban planning, they modernize transportation systems, develop digital infrastructure, and implement smart technologies to improve quality of life. It's important not to limit yourself to technological solutions, but also to support social justice, equal opportunity, and citizen engagement in decision-making, the expert believes.
Main challenges
Among the key environmental problems of modern cities in Russia, Rakhimova highlights air pollution, waste management – including waste sorting and the presence of landfills within the city – and adaptation to climate change. More frequent floods, hurricanes and extreme temperatures have already become a reality, and urban infrastructure is often not adapted to such loads. The number of affected by the effects of climate change, particularly among the elderly population.
Social challenges are no less pressing. Cities tend to have a concentration of vulnerable groups. These include homeless people, LGBT community, migrants, women experiencing domestic violenceCivil society plays a huge role in supporting these groups, Rakhimova emphasizes.
© IISD/K.Worth
Sustainability Analyst Nelya Rakhimova.
Speaking about economic challenges, she noted that Russia is characterized by uneven regional development. "The outflow of citizens from small towns and cities to larger ones continues, seeking opportunities, infrastructure, and cultural and recreational opportunities," she explained.
The expert singled out single-industry towns as examples requiring special attention. "If we were to adhere to the principles of sustainable development and aim for a just transition, we would need to restructure the economies of towns that were originally created for mineral extraction," she said.
Civil initiatives
According to Rakhimova, sustainable city development is impossible without citizen participation. People come together to solve local problems—from helping the homeless to protecting green spaces. waste separation organizations.
"There are numerous initiatives that organize waste sorting. Sometimes they can be very local in scale, but sometimes they operate at the level of large cities and empower citizens to consciously separate, sort, recycle, and recycle their waste," the expert noted. "There are also initiatives that come together, for example, when a park is being developed. This mobilizes the population, and people are able to advocate for their interests and protect green spaces or the historical heritage of their cities."
According to some data, the number of local volunteers in the urban environment continues to grow, she added. This suggests people have a need to actively participate in public life.
What should the city of the future be like?
According to Rakhimova, the ideal city of the future is people-centered. "It's low-rise buildings, a well-developed public transportation system that operates virtually 24/7, and infrastructure that doesn't break down or require constant repairs," she described.
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"Cities should be friendly to children, the elderly, and people with disabilities so that everyone feels like an equal citizen and member of society," concluded Rakhimova.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.