Creating livable cities is essential for advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Urban areas face a myriad of challenges, including solid waste management, traffic congestion, seismic risk, urban flood, and informal settlements. High-income countries are no exception, as they also need to deal with urban challenges, including aging population, aging infrastructure, and climate issues. Addressing these multifaceted challenges requires the involvement of diverse stakeholders with different perspectives and initiatives.
From July 22 to 26, 2024, 12 delegations from Korea, including the CityNet Secretariat with the Seoul Metropolitan Government, its districts, and cities in Korea, visited Yokohama City. The visit aimed to learn about Yokohama's experience in localizing SDGs and share their initiatives. The World Bank-Tokyo Development Learning Center (TDLC) was invited to participate as a speaker in this knowledge exchange program. Shin Tanabe, a Knowledge Management Analyst from TDLC, introduced the TDLC program and showcased good urban development examples from TDLC partner cities, including Ameniwa in Kyoto, Kego Park in Fukuoka, and Yokodai in Yokohama, which were featured in Technical Deep Dives (TDDs).
Tanabe underscored the importance of sharing development experience and practical knowledge as vital steps toward achieving the SDGs. He emphasized that engaging with various stakeholders—such as the elderly, children, people with disabilities, and foreigners—is crucial for recognizing different challenges and collaboratively developing solutions to enhance urban livability.
For about 20 years, TDLC has facilitated knowledge exchange among cities, amassing valuable insights to foster sustainable urban environments. Through events and other initiatives, TDLC remains committed to sharing exemplary urban development practices from Japan and around the world, supporting cities in their pursuit of the SDGs.
