Goal 11 is based on the recognition that cities are central to economic activity, cultural life, innovation, and environmental impact, while also concentrating inequality, vulnerability, and risk. It addresses the need for urban environments that are inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable in the face of rapid urbanisation and climate stress.

The goal tackles housing affordability, informal settlements, transport systems, air pollution, waste management, access to public space, and disaster preparedness. Structural challenges include speculative real-estate markets, underinvestment in public transport, spatial segregation, weak local governance, and exposure of low-income populations to environmental hazards.

Key institutions include UN-Habitat, while city networks such as ICLEI and C40 Cities facilitate policy exchange. Grassroots organisations like Slum Dwellers International provide bottom-up data on housing and service access.

Progress includes expanded public transport systems, pedestrianisation, and climate adaptation plans in some cities. However, housing crises, rising rents, and urban heat stress dominate current news cycles, particularly in Europe and North America. World Habitat Day remains a key calendar moment. GSN documents urban sustainability as a governance and planning issue rather than a purely technical one.