state of the world's cities 2012/2013 - United Nations Sustainable ...

Equity and the Prosperity of CitiesPlacing Equity on the Development AgendaUN-Habitat policy analysis shows that in most developedcountries, concerns for socio-economic equity are typicallybuilt into concerted actions from local and nationalgovernments. This will usually result in urban policiespromoting inclusion, diversity, multi-ethnicity, affirmativeaction, positive discrimination and pro-poor planning. Thisin turn can take the form of wide-ranging programmesand actions, from strategic positioning of educational andrecreational centres to low-cost housing to quota systemsto encourage minority engagement in local politics andrepresentation, as well as targeted subsidies and financialsupport for new businesses. Similar policies and dedicatedinstitutions are found at the municipal level in mostdeveloped countries and in some emerging economies.Local experts in the UN-Habitat survey believe thatequity is primarily the responsibility of public authorities;where a failure of political will, or indifference, are to blamefor deficient, or total lack of, effective policy. Such failurecan be identified at national or local level. In the survey,local experts in Nairobi, Luanda, Kuwait City, Lahore,factInstitutions are not fully contributing to equity. Rulers lackinterest and ineffective governments are hampering thepotential for more equitable cities.Lima, Fort-de-France, Erbiland Saida felt that national policy Addressinginequitiesgovernments showedrequires political will, stronglittle concern for inequity institutions and welltargetedpolicies.whereas local expertsin Alexandria, Algiers,Hyderabad, Guadalajara,Panama City, Beirut and Doha report that it is local policymakerswho show little concern for equity.Elsewhere, local experts report that some citiesprioritize equity in planning and policy strategies.Figure 2.4.3 summarises the types of action they use. InAfrican and Asian cities in the UN-Habitat survey, pro-poorvocational training and skills programmes are emphasised,with some projects explicitly targeting the poor andFigure 2.4.3Most notable policy or action the city is implementing to be more equitableper cent40Vocational education and training toenable skills developmentCash transfers and other forms of financialsupport for disadvantaged groupsOtherEasier access to employmentand opportunitiesFinancial incentives for theurban poorNoneNew rules and regulations to promoteequitable developmentSpecific projects targeting the poor& marginalized35302520151050Africa Asia LAC Arab States All regions75