Thank you for giving me the floor.

 

We thank the Secretary General for his report on this agenda item. 

 

We associate ourselves with the statement made by the distinguished representative of the South Africa on behalf of the Group of 77.

 

Mr. Chairperson,

 

There is an inextricable link between economic development and sustainable urbanization.

 

More than half the world's population already lives in urban areas. By 2050 this proportion is expected to surpass 70%. Sustainable urbanization is therefore a key component of sustainable development.

 

This fact has been correctly recognized in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

 

A standalone Sustainable Development Goal on making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable is evidence of the resolve of the international community to address this issue holistically. 

 

This goal includes seven outcome targets and three targets related to the means of implementation. A balanced implementation of all these targets in the larger context of the agenda is important.

 

As one of the fastest growing large economies and a rapidly growing urban society, India has consistently stressed the importance of a holistic and forward looking approach to urbanization.

 

We believe that if managed well, urbanization can serve as a transformational force for achieving and advancing sustainable development. 

 

 

For a successful approach on urbanization, cities and urban areas need to be situated in the wider socio-economic context. They cannot be seen as water-tight compartments. It is important to recognize their organic linkages with surrounding ecosystems, in particular the semi-urban and rural areas. 

 

Cities contribute to and depend on their hinterland for their sustenance. There is a to-and-fro relationship between the two which is very important to manage the process of urbanization.

 

A clear imperative to manage the challenge of urbanization is therefore a focused rural development strategy. 

 

Mr. Chairperson,

 

Sustainable urbanization is not a developing country issue alone.

 

Managing existing and old urban settlements in developed countries is equally important. This can be done through dedicated policy interventions especially for mainstreaming sustainable consumption and production patterns. 

 

Cities in developed countries need to take the lead in policy measures designed to lower their ecological footprints, investment in the production and use of renewable energy, renovation of infrastructure, retrofitting of buildings and improved efficiency in the use of energy, water and other resources.

 

The developing countries on the other hand are experiencing rapid urbanization rates at very low per capita income levels. 

 

The foremost challenge for them therefore is to create afford their urban citizens with access to essential public services and job opportunities. 

While doing so, they have to strive to minimize environmental pollution.

 

In other words, our overall approach to sustainable urbanization must be inclusive and broad enough to address the challenges of creating and managing sustainable cities in both developing and developed countries. 

 

 

Cities have increasingly become centers of key economic processes in most countries. 

 

Managing quality of life in cities is therefore imperative in improving the overall living standards of all countries, irrespective of their level of development. 

 

In India for example, with less than 1/3 of the population, urban areas generate over 2/3 of the country's GDP and account for 90% of government revenues.

 

As stipulated in the SDGs, our investments in cities and urban development must generate results on multiple levels. 

 

In developing countries, the foremost need is for enhanced investment in infrastructure such as roads, water, sanitation, sewers, electricity, housing, and basic services such as public transportation, schools and affordable health-care. 

 

There can be little doubt that global efforts to combat poverty, promote inclusive growth and reduce environmental stress will increasingly be determined by the efforts we put in to integrate urban development into our larger socio-economic planning. 

 

 

Recognizing the potential of sustainable urbanization and the power of information technology, the Government of India has launched a new initiative to build 100 new 'Smart Cities'. This ambitious program which promises to transform India's urban landscape has been allocated over 1.2 billion US dollars.

 

The idea is to build 'happier, healthier and wealthier' cities with a particular reliance on the use of information technology to improve efficiency.

 

An initial list of 98 cities that will be developed under the Smart Cities mission has already been released. These cities together have a population of 130 million, accounting for 35 per cent of India's urban population. 

 

 

India is a founding member of UN-Habitat, and we value our partnership with the organization. 

 

The Sustainable Development Goal on cities and human settlements has given an excellent direction for international efforts on this front. India looks forward to an ambitious and forward-looking outcome to the Habitat-III Conference in 2016 to build on this excellent foundation and help us in our efforts to promote and achieve sustainable urbanization.