Summary

This report documents the progress made in the implementation New Urban Agenda in Europe and North America between 2018 and 2021. The report is based on desk review and analysis of a wide range of data sources, including the Voluntary Local Reviews for cities in the region and national reports on the implementation of the New Urban Agenda.

The report discusses; the progress made in the three transformative commitments of the NUA, which are social inclusion and ending poverty; inclusive urban prosperity and opportunities for all; and environmentally sustainable and resilient urban development; the effective implementation of the New Urban Agenda in terms of the urban governance structure and the planning and managing urban development; and the means of implementation of the NUA with respect to the mobilisation of financial resources; capacity development; and information technology and innovation.

As shown throughout this report, considerable progress has been made in Europe and North America since 2018. Governments at all scales, together with civil society, have been acting impactfully in implementing the goals of the NUA and the SDGs. There has been a growing focus on reporting, monitoring and collaborations for sustainable and resilient urban development. In the context of increasing urbanisation, the COVID 19 pandemic has further highlighted the rising importance of local governments. However, implementation of the NUA needs to be urgently accelerated if cities across the ECE region are to fulfil their commitments to the NUA, SDGs and other global agendas.

Despite some significant progress, as highlighted throughout this report, key foundational elements of enabling environments remain a critical gap to address throughout the region. Amongst multiple others, these include adequate and equitable financing at all levels, capacity development, data availability and accessibility. Inadequate institutional and fiscal capacity is of particular concern at the local and regional government scale.