User:Toby Roycroft

The Sustainable Urban Development Network (SUD-Net)

Scope and definition
UN-HABITAT is supporting the development of a Sustainable Urban Development Network (SUD-Net), an innovative network of global partners working with actors and networks to promote a multi-lateral and inter-disciplinary approach to sustainable urban development.

The aim of SUD-Net
SUD-Net's overall aim is to work at the local level to build the capacities of national governments, strengthen the power of local authorities and promote the inclusion of communities in decision-making processes.

The rationale for SUD-Net
Cities play a vital role in the social and economic development of countries. Efficient cities allow for sustainable settlements, strong urban economies and advancements in infrastructure, education, health, living conditions and poverty alleviation. One of the biggest costs to cities is environmental degradation: it compounds inequities and threatens the sustainability of development, yet is preventable with the right planning and management. The impact of rapid urbanization on human settlements has both positive and negative impacts, but more often than not, the negative impacts slow down progress in attaining development goals.

Despite existing knowledge on the impact of rapid urban population growth and environmental change, decision-makers and managers in many developing and least developed countries still lack the necessary capacity to leverage resources and to implement sustainable urban development policies. SUD-Net serves as a key network hub for sustainable urbanization and will support cities to mobilise partners and networks, build partnerships, implement innovative, pro-poor projects and stimulate learning and knowledge sharing of good practice.

SUD-Net's relationship with UN-HABITAT
SUD-Net is UN-HABITAT's hub of urban networks. It helps find smart partnerships, creates space for dialogue and facilitates relationships that add value to programmes and strengthen the capacity to achieve sustainable urban development.

SUD-net is a response to UN-HABITAT’s global responsibility towards sustainable urban settlements. It is recognised that there is a lack of adequate access, relevant fora for interaction and necessary human, technical and financial capacity to promote sustainable urban development. Promoting sustainable urban development is a priority for most urban development partners and is thus reflected in most urban policies.

External links http://www.urbangateway.org/networks/sustainable-urban-development-network-sud-net