SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
Did you know that more than half of the world’s population lives in cities? Even though cities only make up 3% of the earth’s land, more than 3.5 billion people live in cities today, and that number is only growing.
Cities are also economic powerhouses, and contribute greatly to the world economy with large numbers of people working in offices, factories, construction and stores. Unfortunately, this also means that cities are largely responsible for alarmingly high levels of air pollution and carbon emissions from the production of goods and services and the consumption of energy for transportation, and electricity and heating of the many buildings and apartments. These levels put our environment in danger.
As more people make cities their homes, it is very important to focus on making cities safe, inclusive, and sustainable. Are there sidewalks in your city? Are there enough jobs and homes for everyone? Is it safe for your family to walk at night? Is the air in your city clean? Are the parks taken care of?
These are just some of the questions that SDG 11 tries to address. Since more than half of humanity is living in cities, it is essential to focus on improving conditions in cities in order to make them safe and welcoming for people around the world.
Our new reading list covers many of these topics and we hope the stories will inspire you to think about ways that you can help improve the community that you live in.
The SDG Book Club makes content available in the six official languages of the United Nations – please see our other pages for more recommendations in Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish.
On the importance of reading
Potatoes On Rooftops: Farming in the City
This is a comprehensive overview of food supply to the city. It covers a wide range of topics, looking at aspects of food supply as well as the growth of food. The examples and photos are from all over the world and include some inspirational and important projects.
Author: Hadley Dyer | ISBN: 9781554514243| Publisher: Annick Press
Out of the way! Out of the way!
This is a great picture book about urban growth and how to get along with others. The story about a little boy caring for a tree in the middle of a path and how he protects the tree. As time passs the path diverted around the tree. The tree keeps growing as the community changes and people can relate to how fast the world change and how busy it is in the streets. The growing tree shares a message that time doesn’t change all things.
Author and Illustrator: Uma Krishnaswami | ISBN: 978-81-8146-792-8 | Publisher: Tulika Publishers
The Streets are Free
The Streets are Free tells the story of how determination and teamwork go a long way for the children of San Jose in Venezuela, who dream of a playground. The streets in their town are getting busier, and they have no space to gather and play. Because many adults ignore their demands, these kids take matter into their own hands.
Author: Kurusa | Illustrator: Monika Doppert | ISBN: 978-1550373707| Publisher: Annick Press
Errol’s Garden
A beautifully simple introduction to community activism and the possibilities of creative gardening in urban spaces.
Author: Gillian Hibbs | ISBN: 9781786280855 | Publisher: Child’s Play (International) Ltd.
Reading is a great way to better understand what people from across the globe struggle with in their everyday lives, and it helps us reflect on our own situation. But reading is just the first step: now it’s time to share your book club experiences and how you plan to take action. Each month, we will feature a couple of book clubs on our blog, so get ready to share your story through social media, by using #SDGBookClub and tagging @UNPublications.
We know it can be difficult to stay at home to protect ourselves and our loved ones from COVID-19. This is why we created a new guide on how to organize your own SDG Book Club online to connect with your friends and family while sharing the joy of reading. We look forward to hearing about your experience on social media using #SDGBookClub.
Help us spread the word by downloading our promotional materials. You will find a horizontal banner, bookmark, placard and easy-to-print sign-up sheet for your friends, family and community to join the SDG Book Club!
The International Publishers Association (IPA) is a federation of publishing associations from around the world. The main mandate of the IPA is to promote and defend copyright, support the freedom to publish, promote literacy and reading. IPA is an accredited NGO in consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the UN. IPA supports the SDGs and works particularly closely with WIPO and UNESCO.
The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) is the leading international body representing the interests of library and information services and their users. It is the global voice of the library and information profession. Founded in 1927 in Edinburgh, Scotland at an international conference, we celebrated our 90th birthday in 2017. We now have more than 1,300 Members in nearly 150 countries around the world. IFLA was registered in the Netherlands in 1971.
The International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) is a non-profit organization that represents an international network of people from all over the world who are committed to bringing books and children together. Today IBBY comprises 79 National Sections worldwide.
The European & International Booksellers Federation (EIBF) represents national booksellers associations in the European Union and beyond. EIBF Members in turn have in membership booksellers of all kinds: brick and mortar bookshops, online bookshops, independents, chains.
The Bologna Children’s Book Fair (BCBF) is the most important international trade fair of the children’s publishing industry. With over 50 years of experience, BCBF has succeeded in bringing together a unique and diverse global audience: the result is the world’s premium copyright business hub when it comes to publishing with an extra core that extends to all multi-media content for children.