Habitat III Issue Papers - 3: Safer Cities

There is an increased global recognition, including within the context of the Post-2015 Development Agenda process, that inclusive, safe and resilient cities and societies are a cornerstone for, and primary outcome of, sustainable development. Where cities are well-planned, they are engines of economic growth and prosperity and offer access to services and contain numerous institutional frameworks that generate social capital and new urban identities that can enhance social integration and cohesion and help prevent urban crime and violence. However, for many cities in the developing world, poorly planned urbanisation has contributed to rising income inequalities in cities. These inequalities are expressed through growing social discontent, mistrust in democratic institutions and rules, social unrest, conflict, crime and violence.

This issue paper on "Safer Cities" is part of a series of thematic reports offering a comprehensive, expert-level view of the processes of urbanisation that characterise today’s century of cities — and look forward to what could and should come next. The 22 “issue papers” were submitted by a range of multilateral institutions. They will ultimately be used to guide discussion by 10 formal “policy units”, which will focus on the six thematic issues deemed important for the Habitat III process. Made up of independent experts, these units touch on housing, resilience, equity and other issues. Eventually, they will each provide formal input regarding the crafting and, especially, implementation of the New Urban Agenda.