Our Scans · (LF.11) Sustainable Cities and Communities · Weekly Summary

In September 2015, 193 world leaders agreed to 17 Global Goals for Sustainable Development. If these Goals are completed, it would mean an end to extreme poverty, inequality and climate change by 2030.
Goal 11. Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.

• [New] By harnessing the power of collective data, humanity could create a global network of sustainable, interconnected cities. Education
• [New] Global urbanization will see 68% of the population in cities by 2050, demanding sustainable infrastructure to address 70% of global emissions and 60-80% energy use. Ainvest
• [New] With dockless schemes still unregulated in the UK, the debate around accessibility, safety, and street clutter will remain central as cities rely more heavily on cycling as a sustainable transport solution. Aspire PR - We do more than build campaigns. We unlock
• [New] By 2025, urban gardening jobs are projected to grow by 18%, supporting sustainable food systems in cities. Farmonaut
• The U.S. DOT's AAM strategy will be a game-changer, ushering in a new age of aviation where flying taxis, cargo drones, and other innovative transport solutions can take off and land in cities worldwide, creating new opportunities for sustainable mobility. Travel And Tour World
• As the Beijing-Xiong'an line approaches its 2026 opening, the CRRC's driverless GSYE61 high-speed train represents not only a technological achievement but also a vision of sustainable, autonomous urban mobility. Metro Rail Today: Gateway to Rail & Metro Industry
• By investing in modern, climate-resilient urban systems, the Bank Group is supporting Djibouti's evolution into a safer, more sustainable port city, one whose strategic role as a regional economic gateway continues to unlock opportunity across the Horn of Africa. allAfrica.com
• Rural Telangana will strengthen sustainable livelihoods through agri-tech, livestock, forest-based economies, handlooms, handicrafts, eco-tourism and digital agriculture, creating resilient and technology-enabled rural growth. The Hans India
• In the UK, planning deregulation near rail stations offers potential for sustainable urban development but risks undermining carbon neutral construction goals unless matched by mandatory low embodied carbon materials and sustainable material specification. Whole Life Carbon
• Successful organizations will treat 2026 as an inflection point-simplifying enterprise portfolios, restructuring operations, and determining how to continue serving communities in a financially sustainable manner. Mondaq
• London's nightlife will likely emerge from current challenges as a more diverse, inclusive, and sustainable industry that continues serving as a global model for urban nightlife culture. My London Map
• Canada and Mexico will deepen cooperation on the conservation and sustainable management of protected natural areas, reaffirming their shared commitment to preserving biocultural heritage in collaboration with Afro-descendent and Indigenous communities in Mexico, and Indigenous Peoples in Canada. GAC
• As cities around the globe strive to become smarter and more sustainable, they face both opportunities and challenges. Citiesabc the digital Magna Carta social impact platfor
• RTA was steadily progressing towards the commercial launch of the aerial taxi service in 2026, solidifying Dubai's position as the city of the future and a global hub for innovative and sustainable urban mobility solutions, combining efficient infrastructure with high quality of life. tradearabia
• As cities worldwide face unprecedented pressures from climate change, rapid urbanization, and technological disruption, PPPs have emerged as critical instruments for delivering resilient, sustainable, and inclusive urban environments. GRI Hub News
• The Sebzor hydropower plant will improve the access to sustainable, reliable and affordable electricity for over 430,000 people in a rural region of Tajikistan and Afghanistan, reduce the risk of electricity interruptions through natural disasters, generating new jobs and income for local people. International Partnerships
• By 2030 and beyond, smart-city ecosystems will mature into fully integrated urban platforms: connected mobility, predictive infrastructure, digital twins of entire cities, real-time citizen services, and sustainable digital economies. Trickdone
• Hitachi Rail will upgrade Egypt's historic Alexandria Raml Tram, improving speed, capacity, safety, and digital passenger systems while supporting sustainable urban transport goals. Global Railway Review
• The next wave of smart, sustainable cities in Europe will be unlocked through IT. Mayors of Europe
• Haryana's Urban Mobility Programme will drive sustainable, connected city growth. Hindustan Times

Last updated: 05 January 2026