Global State of National Urban Policy 2021
Achieving Sustainable Development Goals and Delivering Climate Action
National Urban Policy (NUP) is a key instrument to achieve sustainable urban development
in a shared responsibility across countries, regions and cities. The scale and urgency
of the current urban challenges has given prominence to NUPs. The COVID-19 crisis
has amplified the potential of NUPs in shaping more resilient, green and inclusive
cities as part of countries recovery packages.
This report reviews NUPs of 162 countries across the globe. Building on the first
edition launched in 2018, the report serves as a critical source of information and
analysis for policymakers and urban professionals, as it establishes the foundation
for understanding how and in what forms NUPs have been developed, implemented and
monitored globally. The overarching objective of the report is to assist national
governments in advancing their NUP processes, especially in creating a stronger link
between NUPs and urban-related global agendas, such as the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable
Development and the New Urban Agenda, and in mainstreaming climate action into NUPs.
The report is a co-creation of the OECD, UN-Habitat and Cities Alliance, as a key
outcome of the National Urban Policy Programme, a global partnership launched in 2016
at the Habitat III Conference.
Published on June 25, 2021