Development, at the service of our lives

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development was approved by the 193 member states of the United Nations, in an effort to move towards a more inclusive, prosperous, fair and sustainable global society.

Local governments also participated in its development, in order to ensure that the challenges faced by cities, as well as their potential, were taken into account. This agreement comes at a key time for humanity, one in which we need to stabilise the climate, reduce inequality, and preside over the digitalisation and energy transition of the economy. The ultimate goal is to attain development that is at the service of life, a life that is dignified and peaceful for everyone.

The 17 sustainable development goals (or SDGs), which are defined by 169 milestones set out in the 2030 Agenda, also mark the path that Barcelona can follow to continue building opportunities, social inclusion and well-being, without harming the environment or jeopardising the standard of living of future generations. Achieving the SDGs entails a formidable challenge, both for the City Council and for the city as a whole. This will require overcoming inertia and thinking of new ways to do things, taking into consideration the points of convergence (and conflict) between our environmental, social and economic needs.

Taking on the 2030 Agenda as its own, the Barcelona City Council is working towards achieving its goals through efforts in six areas:

•   Positioning: Determining the specific objectives and milestones that the 2030 Agenda implies for Barcelona.
•   Evaluation: Using data to understand the situation and evolution of the city as regards the milestones established.
•   Innovation: Launching new approaches for the policies that are needed to achieve the Agenda’s key goals.
•   Partnerships: Public administrations, companies, social entities and citizens must work together to bolster the capacity for collective action and achieve key goals.
•   Awareness: Raising awareness about the agenda and stimulating public debate on all levels.
•   Leadership: Promoting the 2030 Agenda on the national and international stages, in conjunction with other cities, contributing the ideas and actions carried out by the people of Barcelona.