Cities are either helpful or unhelpful in achieving sustainable development. The World Urban Campaign partners declared Manifesto for Cities and further reiterate here:
“The battle for a more sustainable future will be won or lost in cities.” How we plan, build, and manage our cities now will determine the outcome of our efforts to achieve a sustainable and harmonious development tomorrow. Well-planned cities afford all residents the opportunity to lead safe, healthy, and productive lives. Well-designed cities present nations with major opportunities to promote social inclusion, resilience, and prosperity. The WUC provides the framework for a movement with a collective contribution of committed partners united by shared goals and a common vision for the cities of the future of the city for the 21st century. It sets key principles and establishes essential paths for building a New Urban Agenda towards the next decade.