INGENIEUR
UNIDO embraces this challenge through prioritising inclusive and sustainable industrial development and taking a lead role in integrating low-carbon industrial development within the city ’ s context for shared economic empowerment . Within this intervention , UNIDO works with a wide range of partners , stakeholders and beneficiaries to realise the benefits of this vision .
Integrated and inclusive approach towards urban planning and management UNIDO promotes an integrated approach towards urban sustainability that is guided by an evidencebased , multi-dimensional , and broadly inclusive planning process that balances economic , social and environmental resource considerations .
Recognising the unique window of opportunity that comes with rapid urbanisation , UNIDO seeks to promote the creation and implementation of comprehensive sustainability planning and management initiatives . It will primarily do so by supporting local strategic planning processes and implementation efforts in selected cities and countries . To the maximum extent possible , local challenges addressed by this work — designed to promote improved liveability and environmental conditions — will be linked to global challenges such as climate change , biodiversity , water resources , waste , land degradation , and more .
Gender equity : How can we promote gender issues in the practice of sustainable cities ? Social dimensions such as inclusiveness , cultural adequacy , fairness and gender equality are crucial , besides dimensions related to the economy , ecology , built environment and policy . UNIDO sees the empowerment of women not only as a responsibility but foremost as an opportunity . Women ’ s economic participation and well-being are crucial for society at large given that “ poverty incidence tends to be lower in countries with more gender equality ”.
Two aspects are vital when planning and re-organising gender-friendly cities : safety and comfort . The safety of women has to be a priority while planning sustainable cities , as they are disproportionately subject to the gender-based violence and harassment that are prevalent in cities . Furthermore , a crucial component of the lives of working adults — for both men and women — is the comfort and support they can access to balance family and work life . Such comfort would include efficient access to employment , schools , childcare , storage , health , and sanitary facilities . Moreover , the elimination of gender-based occupational segregation , gender gaps in pay and other forms of labour market discrimination , is also essential . Financial support for education , business and other training opportunities would also aid the economic empowerment of women , who are often disenfranchised from professional development opportunities .
Energy , as an integral part of sustainable urban planning , can help to make cities safer , improve sanitation and health , and create sustainable transport and mobility concepts . Promoting the installation of lights and increasing security in public places can help create a safer environment for women .
UNIDO ’ s strategy for promoting gender equality and women ’ s empowerment in the framework of ISID is to support the development of peoplecentred sustainable cities that are based on the principles of human rights , gender equality and well-being . The focus will be to promote the economic empowerment of women by supporting industries and enterprises to provide access to clean and affordable energy and related services such as water and sanitation , safe public transport , and lighting of streets . Furthermore , the development of information and communications technology ( ICT ) infrastructure could improve the safety of women in cities by providing greater access to information . UNIDO aims to incorporate gender dimensions in urban energy projects in part by increasing women ’ s representation , engagement and participation in decision-making processes and utilising the gender expertise of women ’ s networks and associations , NGOs and international organisations .
4 . Increasing partnerships with diverse actors and developing city networks
Exploring innovative finance mechanisms for cities by drawing on the private sector , national Government and other possible funding sources While UNIDO will focus on its very specific areas of intervention under the sustainable cities
46 VOL 93 JANUARY-MARCH 2023