UNDP
The United Nations
Development Programme
AGENDA
Evaluating the practicality of developing
sustainable cities to combat the effects of
urbanisation.
11 Letter from the Executive Board
TABLE OF CONTENTS
2 Introduction to the committee
3 List of key terms
4
4 Introduction to the agenda
5 Timeline of events
6 Bloc positions
7
7 Case studies
8 Past actions and resolutions by the UN
9
9 Questions a resolution must answer
10 Preambulatory and operative clauses
Letter from the EB
Greetings Delegates,
It is with extreme pride and distinct honour that we welcome you to the United
Nations Development Programme (UNDP) at JBCN Oshiwara MUN 2024! We're
pleased to have you join us, and we eagerly anticipate the stimulating debates
and insightful discussions that lie ahead.
The UNDP, established in 1966, primarily focuses on reducing poverty, promoting
democracy, and supporting the enhancement of Sustainable Development Goals
(SDGs) globally. This year, our committee centres around a critical challenge: the
practicality of creating sustainable cities to balance the tendencies of growing
urbanisation.
Urbanisation comes with a double-edged sword - it offers exciting opportunities
as well as significant challenges. Hence, your participation and creative thinking
are vital in finding innovative solutions and proposing practical measures to
ensure that cities reap the benefits of urbanisation while also growing sustainably
and reducing the impact of its challenges.
Model United Nations are a unique blend of academic and social experiences. It
involves delving into complex issues, building strong relationships, and
acknowledging diverse viewpoints. Remember, as part of this committee, your
words can truly make a difference. The decisions you make and the speeches you
deliver can influence the future of urban areas. Therefore, we encourage you to
approach this committee with creative minds, a lot of enthusiasm, and
unwavering determination to reach a consensus on this crucial issue.
We hope to see intriguing, heated debates and productive deliberations
throughout our sessions. Your contributions are essential in making our cities more
sustainable and resilient, ensuring a better future for all. All the best.
Aarna Karwa, Aarya Ozarde, Paarth Somani,
Director - UNDP Assistant Director - UNDP Assistant Director - UNDP
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Introduction to the Committee
The UNDP is an important pillar of the UN established to coordinate and supervise
the global processes in the field of sustainable development. This was in 1965 after
the Expanded Programme of Technical Assistance (EPTA) and the United Nations
Special Fund. UNDP’s main goal is to rid countries of poverty and inequality by
supporting initiatives that are oriented to sustainable development.
The UNDP runs six Global Policy Centres, including the Seoul Policy Centre (USPC)
on partnerships, the Nairobi Global Policy Centre on Resilient Ecosystems and
Desertification (GPC-Nairobi), the Singapore-based Global Centre for Technology,
Innovation and Sustainable Development (GC-TISD), the Istanbul International
Centre for Private Sector in Development (IICPSD), the Oslo Governance Centre,
and the Singapore-based Global Centre for Public Service Excellence (GCPSE).
The UNDP works on different development fronts that include poverty, democratic
governance, climate change and disaster risk reduction. The organisation is in
approximately 170 countries and territories and thus offers an international focus
on regions to help and support people and nations.
Among the concentrations of the UNDP is the sustainable development in cities in
the world. However, the global trend towards urbanisation that is witnessing an
accelerated pace in most countries is that cities experience abounding
challenges for instance overcrowded, polluted, underdeveloped, and socially
imbalanced. UNDP wants to solve these issues through approaches in urban
development and planning addressing issues of inequity, vulnerability and
unsustainable development.
In order to achieve its objectives, the UNDP works with governments, non-
governmental organisations and other INGOs to lobby and promote good policies
and programs for the sustainable development of the cities. UNDP utilises radical
approaches and executes capacities to upgrade the quality of urban areas and
lessen the unfavourable effects of urbanisation with the intent to advance the
standards of living of the general public
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List of Key Terms
Sustainable Development: Development that answers current human needs without
marring the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Urbanization: It is the process whereby rural areas become urban as a result of
economic development and population growth.
Smart Cities: Those urban areas which begin to make use of information and
communication technologies in order to enhance performance and well-being, reduce
costs and resource consumption, as well as engage with their citizens in a more effective
manner.
Green Infrastructure: This is a network of natural and semi-natural areas, green features,
and spaces that help in the improvement of air and water quality, climate regulation
through delivery of the ecosystem services.
Sustainable Agriculture: The methods of agriculture, conserving and improving the health
of the soil, efficient use of water, and reducing reliance on chemical inputs critical to
urban food security.
Climate Resilience: The capacity of a system or community in the face of climate-related
shocks and stresses to plan, recover, and adapt.
Sprawling growth: Such unchecked sprawl into rural areas from urban centres frequently
leads to inefficient use of resources and the degradation of an environment.
Circular Economy: An economic system that aims to cut down on wastes and foster
continuous use of resources by recycling, reusing, and repairing.
Urban Heat Island Effect: The process of increasing temperature in an urban area related
to its surroundings predominantly as a result of human activities and modified land
surfaces.
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Ecosystem Services: Services that ecosystems provide and which make human life
possible, livelihood worth living, including but not limited to clean water, clean air, and
fertility of the soil.
Sustainable Urban Mobility: It has safe, affordable, low-emission access for people and
goods, promotes economic development, and improves quality of life.
Green Buildings: Buildings designed to minimise the impacts on human health and
natural environment through efficient and sustainable use of energy, water, and other
resources.
Environmental Justice: Fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people
regarding the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws,
regulations, and policies.
Urban Planning: The process of planning and regulating the use of space within urban
areas to ensure in a sustainable manner, development and quality of life of all residents.
Energy Efficiency: The goal is to do the same job using less energy or more output from
the same amount of energy supplied; it is imperative for reducing emissions and
efficiently using resources within urban regions.
Water Management: Techniques and approaches in managing water resources for
sustainable supply and quality to urban populations.
Resilient Cities: The ability of cities to absorb, recover from, and adapt successfully to
adverse events, whether natural events such as disaster or economic shock.
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Introduction to the Agenda
The size of the urban populace has subsequently grown to become one of the
most important hallmarks of the present century as over half of the world’s
population lives in cities as of 2017. It is very apparent that the level of
urbanisation is rapidly increasing and this comes with certain increased
associated problems which include pollution, lack of adequate infrastructure and
social inequality. These problems are considered as crucial or recognised by the
United Nations Development Programme or UNDP concerning the need to
maintain the sustainability of cities while advancing economic and social growth.
Urbanisation as a process entails extensive interference with the environment in
various ways and to a significant extent. Sustainable cities are aimed to
incorporate green technology, valuable resources management and non-
discriminatory policies. Some of the environmental objectives consist of
decreasing CO2 emission rates, enhancing the disposal system of wastes and
probably managing energy resources in an efficient manner with regard to the
effects of climate change. These measures are efficient both for combating
pollution and for protecting resources and the natural environment, necessary for
the sustainable development of cities in the long term.
Economic stability and growth form the core of sustainable development because
no country could have sound urbanisation without a sound, healthy and
progressive economy. Communities require to be more creative, acquire sources
of funding, and generate employment for souls dwelling in cities. This entails
strengthening the framework of economic policies that promote sustainable
business environment, business ventures, and technology that embraces the
green economy. A sustainable city depends on an economy of development that
advances the city’s economy while not harming the neighbourhood to satisfy the
necessities of everybody living in it.
Structure is another aspect of sustainable cities. This includes adequate transport,
proper housing, water and sewage provision that meet the optimised and efficient
healthcare needs of the people. These elements not only add value to the quality
of the people’s lives but also facilitate the growth of the city in the future while
also not being detrimental to sustainability. Infrastructure should be made
stronger so as to be able to face the challenge that comes with urbanisation and
climate change.
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In this regard, therefore, sustainable urban development should be aimed at
integrating the poor and marginalised into society. Communal facilities can and
should be provided and built in such a manner that they can be used and
enjoyed by all the inhabitants of a given area, regardless of the latter’s income.
This lies in the provision of employment and educational access as well as
address of social connection and healing, among others. Democracy whilst in
policies, is a measure that guarantees all the residents in the city adequate
opportunities for sustainable urbanism.
Developing sustainable cities can only be done if special attention is paid to
solving problems that may be peculiar to certain areas such as shortage of funds,
problems with the government and political instabilities. The ideas of how to
reach sustainable urban development should be different based on the place’s
conditions. For instance, challenges and opportunities of sustainable city
development differ strongly for cities in African countries, Iran, Scandinavian
countries, India and Pakistan, North Korean and many others.
All in all, it can be said that the formation of sustainable cities is not a simple task,
which applies not only to the environmental aspect. This includes managing
economic development, provision of infrastructure services, creating social equity
and dealing with local and global problems. Under this agenda, nations identify
and discuss the potential solutions towards a more efficient, resilient and
economic environmental strategy.
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Timeline of Events
1970-1990: The year 1970 saw the beginning of discussions about environmentally
friendly cities and their effects. The initial research, conducted in the 1980s and early
1990s, focused on green spaces and renewable energy in order to achieve the
sustainable development of the city infrastructure. The shift towards increased
information sharing and collaboration with other nations defined the new millennium. As
a result, Local Agenda 21 mandated that local governments embrace more
environmentally friendly practices. These days, three main areas are the focus of
research and development: Taking into account smart city technologies for infrastructure
upgrades that would improve city management.
2000-2024: In the early 2000s, sustainable urban development strategies were being
implemented for the first time. Cities like Curitiba, Brazil, and Freiburg, Germany, are
examples of environmentally friendly growth cities. Additionally, this decade saw a rise
in demonstration cities and pilot programmes that demonstrated the effectiveness of
using sustainable practices. In an effort to build a better tomorrow, cities and regions
around the world are still working on these green initiatives today.
2024-present: Since the main finding of Assessing a Sustainable City is that processes
towards the establishment of a sustainable city are still ongoing, this assessment can be
viewed more as a work in progress. Currently, it involves assessing how to improve the
environment, analysing social and economic opportunities and challenges, and
identifying the fields that still need to be expanded. Finally, they will concentrate on the
fields that involve studying and restocking new sustainable urban models in order to
enhance current ones. The ultimate goals are to make the most of these tactics, increase
global collaboration, and start implementing sustainable urban development tactics
widely.
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Bloc Positions
Scandinavia (Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Norway, etc.):
The Nordic countries banded together in support of sustainable urban development.
They are more inclined towards teamwork and all the solutions are green. This entails
spending in parks, green areas, and energy efficient structures to address climate
change and enhance the standard of living. Intelligent technologies are very important
in waste management, traffic management, and resource management. However,
sustainability does not only refer to the environment. They fight for social justice, the right
to housing, the provision of adequate means of transport, and proper integration of the
city for all the people. In addition, there is knowledge sharing. They think that they should
partner with developing countries to share successful strategies and enable them to
create strong and sustainable urban environments of tomorrow. International
cooperation and financial aid are the key factors for the common global endeavor in
the context of sustainable urban development.
India:
Highlights the benefit of creating new methods of economic improvement that can
amass value for less cost. Call for proper transfer of technology and partnership with the
developed countries. Correct severe social justice issues by focusing on a
comprehensive strategy for the realisation of housing that is affordable by most citizens
in cities. It helps support sustainable development for all communities around the world
given that the means and outcomes are equal since human society should be aimed to
be progressive. Mentioning those, we can advance long-term ahead and reach the
point where sustainable development does not equal the degradation of the
environment but on the contrary, makes people’s lives better and the world closer to the
concept of Prosperity.
The United States of America:
Promotes having easy access to cheap and effective green technologies. Also, urges the
developed countries to support in terms of the provision of funds and building the
capacity of countries in the least developed nations. Emphasise the importance of the
strategies of sustainable development which focus on the issue of poverty and social
disparities. Acknowledge such questions as, for instance, what pragmatic and policy-
related matters may threaten the high standards of environmental monitoring and how
the high standards for environmental protection can be preserved while advancing the
nation’s and the world’s economies’ growth. The four modes of communication can
guarantee that progress in GT will assist the global societies while at the same time-
solving problems affecting the global environment.
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Nigeria:
Nigeria understands the value of sustainable urban development, especially in light of its
rapidly growing cities. However, protecting the health and safety of its residents should
be the top concern. While innovation is promising, they first focus on meeting the
demands of our fundamental necessities like trash disposal, affordable housing, and
sanitation. Millions of people are moving to cities, where many of them must deal with
the brutal realities of poverty. Sustainability in Nigeria must aggressively address social
inequality and build an urban future where everyone benefits from it, going beyond
environmental concerns. Consequently, it supports greater foreign investment in
infrastructure initiatives that deal with these fundamental problems. In the long run,
Nigerian sustainable cities aim to create a future where all of its residents are entitled to
both opportunity and an environmentally friendly environment.
Brazil:
In Brazil, the goal of creating sustainable cities goes beyond concerns about the
environment. The nation's dedication to incorporating unauthorised communities into
official urban planning processes is proof that social inclusion is given priority. By
ensuring fair access to necessities like energy and sanitary facilities, this integration
supports an inclusive urban environment. Furthermore, Brazil's physical location
demands that strength building be prioritised. The cities being susceptible to
susceptibility to flooding and landslides highlights the significance of international
collaboration on emergency preparedness initiatives. Essentially, various strategies are
given priority in the nation's strategy for urban sustainability. In order to create a future
where all residents may prosper in a secure and welcoming community, social
integration and resilience-building against hazards from nature are just as critical as
environmental problems.
Saudi Arabia:
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia recognises the prospects and threats of the process of
urbanisation. Their goal is the sustainable development of economies and the protection
of the environment and people’s health. They are funding experimental smart cities of
the future such as NEOM for renewable energy, mobility, and technology. Being aware of
their climate, they support desertification measures such as large-scale afforestation to
fight desertification and enhance the quality of the air in cities. They support the circular
economy system where there is an emphasis on minimising waste production, recycling,
and sustainable manufacturing within cities. The financing and implementation of these
projects require public private partnerships. Saudi Arabia has the vision and experience
to share and cooperate with other countries to make all nations reach the goal of
sustainable and prosperous cities.
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Case Studies
Copenhagen, Denmark – Leading the Way in Climate Resilience:
Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, has recently gained fame to limit CO2 emissions
through adopting their declared goal of turning into the first climate-neutral city by 2025.
This has been done with respect to tackling climate change, improving the quality of life
in urban areas, and the promotion of sustainability.
The Danish capital is known for its cycling, and Copenhagen has 391 kilometres of bike
paths for cyclists. Daily, more than half of Copenhagers use bicycles for commuting
which helps to ease traffic and emission problems. Cycling infrastructure alone in the city
states that the total amount of CO2 saved ranges to 90 thousand tonnes. There are
675,000 bicycles and just 120,000 cars in Copenhagen, meaning bikes outnumber cars
by more than five-to-one. Since 2005, around one billion krone has been spent on the
city’s cycling infrastructure. That’s around $155m. In 2017 there were 3.9 km of new cycle
paths, 600 km of green cycling routes and five new super cycle paths inaugurated in the
Copenhagen area. The city itself has heavily invested in green energy notably the wind
produced energy. The offshore wind farm called Middelgrunden near the coast being
visible from the city contributes a great share of Copenhagen’s electricity.
Curitiba, Brazil – A Model for Sustainable Urban Planning:
Curitiba in Brazil has been propagated as probably the most efficient city on earth.
During the 1970s, the city was governed by Mayor Lerner and, during this time, new
processes were initiated that remain helpful for the city’s inhabitants up to the present
day.
Curitiba integrated an efficient means of Bus Rapid Transit also known as BRT that
became a reference point to other cities. Some aspects of the system include bus lanes,
cheap fares, often-running services, discouragement of the use of personal cars and thus
cutting down on traffic and improving air quality. The BRT system cuts the city’s
greenhouse gas emissions by 27 million tonnes every year.
Another important objective was the development of green territories – parks,
pedestrian zones, public gardens, which contribute to the reduction of air pollution,
create recreational territories. About 50.33 square meters of green area per inhabitant is
provided in Curitiba. The city also developed a program called “Green Exchange”, that
allows residents to take recyclable waste to a shop where in return she or he receives
fruits and vegetables for their families, which promotes recycling and helps families with
low income.
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Germany: Fine Dust Filtration in Stuttgart:
Stuttgart, a major city in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, faced significant air pollution
due to high levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2). A filtration technology for particulate matter
reduction was developed to combat this. The impact of the technology was simulated
based on current pollution levels, and was designed into modular cubes, code-named
“Filter Cubes”. A further development of this filtration technology was to use the Filter
Cubes to reduce NO2 on site as well.
The pilot project is designed to investigate whether the technology can be used to
reduce the local fine dust pollution. They were equipped with fine dust particle filters and
energy-efficient fans, using an electrically charged filter medium to capture fine dust
particles and activate carbon layers to adsorb nitrogen dioxide (NO2). Each column of
Filter Cubes can clean 14,500 m3 of air per hour with low energy requirements.
The initial assessments of the project indicate that the Filter Cubes make a considerable
contribution towards the reduction of local particle concentration by 10% to 30%, which
corresponds to 40% of all fine dust particles caused by heavy traffic at the road junction.
India: Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY):
PMAY is a significant credit-linked subsidy scheme initiated by the government of India.
Its primary objective is to facilitate access to affordable housing for low and moderate-
income residents across the country.
The scheme aimed to build 2 crore (which is 20 million) affordable houses by 31st March
2022. PMAY focuses on providing a permanent, durable structure (also known as a
“pucca” house) to eligible urban households. It addresses the housing shortage among
the Economically Weaker Section (EWS), Low-Income Group (LIG), Middle-Income
Group, and most importantly, Slum Dwellers.
Under this government initiative, eligible beneficiaries receive subsidies on home loans.
The size of a house for EWS can be up to 30 square metres worth of carpet area, with
flexibility for state/union territories to enhance the size in consultation with the Ministry.
Unlike earlier schemes, the PMAY mandated that the female head of the family be the
owner or co-owner of the house. In conclusion, as of 2024, over 3 crore (30 million)
households have been established a sub-scheme under PMAY, ARHCs (Affordable Rental
Housing Complexes) provides dignified, affordable rental housing close to workplaces
for urban migrants and the poor in the industrial sector.
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Past Actions Taken by the UN
11th December 1992 - Agenda 21: Adopted in Rio de Janeiro during the United Nations
Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) serves as a foundation
document for sustainable cities and international cooperation. It entails a
comprehensive plan of action for sustainable development on a global, national, and
local level as well as addresses the interconnectedness of social development,
environmental protection and economic growth.
20th December 2000 - Resolution 55/2: Set eight challenging goals to combat hunger,
poverty, sickness, and environmental degradation worldwide by the year 2015. Among
which target 7, and goal 11 aimed at improving the livelihood of slum dwellers was a
major success surpassing its initial expectations.
27th July 2012 - Resolution 66/288: Following the Earth Summit in 1992, Rio+20, known as
"The Future We Want," renewed its commitment to sustainable development,
emphasising integrated and sustainable planning.
25th September 2015 - Resolution 70/1: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
includes 17 SDGs amongst which goal 11 was incorporated. Additionally, the necessity of
resilient urban infrastructure, affordable housing, and sustainable transportation was also
emphasised in this resolution.
20th October 2016 - New Urban Agenda: Held in Quito, Ecuador, the agenda lays out
standards and principles for the planning, construction, development, management, and
improvement of urban areas along its five main pillars of implementation: national urban
policies, urban legislation and regulations, urban planning and design, local economy
and municipal finance, and local implementation.
15th December 2018 - Resolution 73/239: Focuses on implementing two documents: The
New Urban Agenda and UN-Habitat Strategic Plan 2020-2023 which lay emphasis on
reducing urban inequality, ensuring equitable prosperity, and driving climate action in
cities. The UN-Habitat Strategic Plan 2020-2023 has been extended to 2025.
23rd January 2020 - Resolution 74/206: This resolution focused on promoting international
cooperation to combat illicit financial flows and strengthen good practices on assets
return to foster sustainable development.
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Questions a Resolution Must Answer
1. In what ways can leaders of cities ensure that sustainable technologies and
practices are incorporated in combating pollution in urban areas and lowering
emissions of CO2?
2. What economic policies and incentives can be implemented to promote
sustainable business practices and green technologies in urban areas?
3. What strategies can be used to provide resilient infrastructure that would enable
cities to grow and be sustainable while at the same time addressing issues of
climate changes or other results of urbanization processes?
4. What approaches can be implemented to ensure that the economically weaker
sections are included in the development of social infrastructure and urban
amenities?
5. What is the way for communities to pursue growth and development
economically while creating awareness, policies, and practices that protect the
environment and the natural resources?
6. What challenges and solutions exist for sustainable urbanisation in Africa, the
Middle East, Scandinavia, and South Asia?
7. In what ways can local governments and agencies be built up and financially
supported so as to maintain sustainable development policies in the urban areas?
8. How can international organisations in general, and partnerships in particular,
support cities to overcome political/financial constraints to sustainability?
9. What measures should be taken to design and put waste management systems in
place that have limited impacts on the environment and maximise the level of
recycling and resource conservation?
10. What measures can be taken to ensure the availability and sustainable
management of natural resources and ecosystems within urban environments?
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Preambulatory and Operative Clauses
Preambulatory clauses:
Acknowledging Fulfilling Taking note
Affirming Fully alarmed Viewing with appreciation
Alarmed by Fulfilling Welcoming
Approving aware of
Fully alarmed Noting with appreciation
Believing
Fully aware Noting with approval
Bearing in mind
Confident Fully believing Noting with deep concern
Congratulating Further deploring Noting with regret
Contemplating Further recalling Noting with satisfaction
Convinced Guided by Observing
Declaring Having adopted Pointing out
Deeply concerned Having considered Reaffirming
Deeply conscious
Having considered further Realizing
Deeply convinced
Having devoted attention Recalling
Deeply disturbed
Deeply regretting Having examined Recognizing
Deploring desiring Having heard Referring
Emphasizing Having received Reminding
Expecting Having studied Seeking
Expressing its appreciation Keeping in mind Taking into account
Expressing its satisfaction Noting further. Taking into consideration
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Preambulatory and Operative Clauses
Operative clauses:
Accepts Designates Recommends
Affirms Encourages Regrets
Approves Endorses Requests
Appreciates Expresses its hope Resolves
Asks Further invites Seeks
Authorizes Further proclaims Strongly affirms
Calls for Further recommends Strongly condemns
Calls upon Further requests Strongly urges
Condemns Further resolves Suggests
Congratulates Hopes Trusts
Confirms Proclaims Transmits
Deplores Proposes Urges
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