This policy paper examines how integrated urban policy, which co-ordinates policy action across sectors, levels of government, and stakeholders, can accelerate progress towards the SDGs in cities. As the 2030 Agenda deadline nears, cities across OECD countries show mixed results on the SDGs. While cities have improved on SDG 17 on partnerships for the goals and SDG 11 on sustainable cities and communities, significant gaps remain in areas linked to housing, transport, energy efficiency and climate action. This paper argues that National Urban Policies (NUPs) can help accelerate progress by aligning urban development with the SDGs. Drawing on OECD and G7 countries’ experience, the paper highlights seven priority fields where integrated urban policy can drive progress across multiple goals: affordable housing, sustainable transport, energy efficiency, digitalisation, urban regeneration, land-use planning, and green infrastructure. The paper also explores how governments can strengthen integrated urban policy by deepening multi-stakeholder engagement, ensuring public and private finance is secured and aligned, and maintaining continuous monitoring and evaluation of policies. The analysis and recommendations aim to support governments at all levels advance more integrated and effective urban policy to accelerate progress towards the SDGs and shape more resilient urban futures. The paper was prepared by the OECD to support the Italian Presidency of the G7 in 2024 and informed the discussions of the G7 Ministerial Meeting on Sustainable Urban Development in November 2024 in Rome, Italy. It also benefited from additional data, examples and reviews under the Canadian Presidency of the G7 in 2025.
