10:00 AM, GMT
Join us on World Metropolitan Day 2024, hosted by the City of Dakar in collaboration with Metropolis and UN-Habitat, to explore the critical role cities and younger generations play in achieving a just transition that leaves no one behind.
Halfway to 2030, achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals remains an uphill challenge. While large cities are significant emitters, they also stand at the forefront of climate change’s impact. These metropolises are champions of green initiatives, but a successful transition to a low-carbon future requires recognising the inequalities that pre-exist and which, without due attention, could be amplified in the process.
City and metropolitan governments hold the key to steering metropolises towards a future where economic prosperity, environmental responsibility and social well-being are mutually reinforcing. This is especially urgent in the Global South, where many communities face the brunt of climate change, as the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change warns. The impacts of the climate crisis are not evenly distributed: more often than not, those already in vulnerable situations suffer the most. Those living in poverty and informal settlements, along with young people, women, migrants and historically marginalised groups are most at risk in a context where extreme weather events become more frequent. They also stand to benefit the most from emerging economic opportunities in transitioning to a more sustainable model. Urgent action is therefore needed to safeguard social cohesion and mitigate vulnerabilities.
The transition to a green economy holds immense promise. Investments in waste management, air quality, renewable energy, conservation, sustainable agriculture and adaptation measures can foster economic development while reducing emissions and protecting ecosystems. This will pave the way for a more resilient future, offering hope and stability for younger generations. However, these new opportunities need to be fairly distributed, and open to all, particularly young people and women, who often encounter more difficulties in the job market.
Africa is home to the world’s youngest population, but unemployment and a lack of opportunities limit their future. Empowering young people through skills development and training in green technologies and sustainable practices is crucial. This approach not only tackles the climate crisis but also cultivates a diverse, skilled workforce and distributes economic opportunity more fairly.