Narmin Tahirli obtained her bachelor’s degree in State and Public Relations from Baku State University. Her area of interest include sustainable development, smart cities, public administration, and communication policies, particularly in the local implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the strengthening of civic engagement. She is currently contributing to the fields of sustainable development and urban planning by supporting the organizational work of international events.
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Application of Sustainable Development Goals through Smart Cities
Abstract
This paper emphasizes the importance of smart cities in achieving sustainable development goals by exploring the features behind the foundation of smart cities. By examining the core features of smart cities—such as technological advancements, community engagement, sustainable urban planning, and inclusive governance—this study explores how these elements contribute to achieving SDGs across various dimensions. The paper delves into the integration of smart technologies like IoT and AI to optimize energy use, mobility, and infrastructure while also addressing social issues like equity, transparency, and citizen participation. It brings case studies for a better understanding of the role of Smart Cities for the future of the World. Additionally, the paper notes the challenges in the full realization of Smart cities, which slows down the target of reaching Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.
Introduction - why do we need Smart Cities?
According to the statistics revealed by the United Nations in 2022, approximately 56 % of the world's population is living in urban areas, and the number is expected to reach 70 % by 2050, with more than 6 billion people living in urbanized areas.
The global trends of urbanization reflect a significant shift in population dynamics, with more people moving to urban areas than ever before. The reason behind this migration is to look for better economic opportunities, access to education, and improved healthcare services.
The best way of tackling such problems while ensuring the development of the cities is through the application of sustainable urban development. Achieving sustainable urbanization is crucial for ensuring cities can accommodate their growing populations while addressing environmental challenges. It is the process of meeting a community's current needs without jeopardizing the ability of future generations to meet theirs. It emphasizes economic, environmental, and social sustainability. The goal is to create cities that are not only economically prosperous but also provide a high quality of life, balancing social and environmental needs. This involves strategies to reduce pollution, conserve natural resources, and improve transportation, housing, public safety, healthcare, and social services. It also includes urban planning methods that consider the needs of local communities and stakeholders.
The concept of sustainable urban development appeared in the 1970s after the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment; however, it gained popularity in the 1990s and evolved into the idea of Smart City.
This article explores the application of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within the framework of Smart Cities, highlighting how these urban innovations can contribute to a more sustainable and inclusive future. Through this exploration, we will examine the potential of Smart Cities to address key global challenges and advance the broader agenda of sustainable development.
How does the Smart City concept provide a suitable environment for Sustainable Development Goals?
The development of information and communication technologies, the emergence of new technologies and concerns over the environment have led to new concepts about cities. One of the earliest concepts was “Digital City”, where technology was used to digitise administrative functions, improve communication with citizens, and streamline services like e-governance and digital access to public services. However, people went beyond it with the latest advancements like the Internet of Things, data analytics, and Artificial Intelligence, then formed the modern concept called “Smart City”. Here, cities and services are not only digitized but also demonstrate sensory services that improve the quality of life and address urban challenges more effectively.
A Smart City is an urban area that leverages digital technology and urban planning to enhance residents' quality of life and promote sustainability through real-time data. Smart cities can optimize resources, reduce energy consumption, and improve public services, leading to a more sustainable and efficient urban environment by using technologies like IoT, AI, Big Data, and others. The goal is to promote economic growth while tackling public health, environmental sustainability, and social inequality. By addressing problems like pollution, traffic jams, and housing shortages, smart cities improve the efficiency and livability of urban areas.
Key features of smart cities include intelligent infrastructure, sustainable energy solutions, smart mobility, e-governance, and data-driven urban planning.
Sustainable Development Goals
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015, is designed to be “a blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all."
How do Smart Cities help the fulfilment of SDGs?
Smart cities embody the principles of SDGs by using technology and innovation to create sustainable, inclusive, and resilient urban environments that improve the quality of life and promote economic growth. As the global community works toward the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, smart cities play a major role in integrating technology, governance, and societal participation to achieve the SDGs in a common manner.
Smart cities combine technological innovation with urban planning, utilizing digital tools like IoT, big data, AI, and smart infrastructure to improve living standards, drive economic development, and promote environmental sustainability. By adopting these technologies, smart cities support various SDGs, including Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), Goal 13 (Climate Action), and Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), among others. Their interconnected systems enable a cohesive approach to achieving these objectives, transforming urban areas into centers of sustainable progress.
SDG 9, focusing on "Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure," encompasses a comprehensive framework that applies well in the context of smart cities.
Target 9.1, which emphasises quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure, the indicators includes the proximity of residents to accessible roads and the volume of passenger and freight transport.
Target 9.2, which promotes inclusive and sustainable industrialization, is measured by the manufacturing value added to GDP and employment in industries.
Target 9.3 focuses on improving access to financial services and integrating small industries into value chains and markets.
Target 9.4 emphasizes upgrading infrastructure and retrofitting industries to make them sustainable by improving resource efficiency and reducing environmental impact.
Target 9.5 focuses on enhancing research and innovation to support economic development, measured by the percentage of GDP spent on research and development (R&D) and the number of researchers per million people.
Target 9. A, which supports infrastructure development in developing countries, is realized in smart cities through international cooperation and investment.
Target 9. B, focused on supporting domestic technology development and industrial diversification in developing countries, is measured by the proportion of medium and high-tech industry value added in total value added.
Target 9. C, which aims to increase access to information and communication technology (ICT) and ensure universal access to the internet, is measured by population coverage by mobile networks.
Another goal that gets sufficient opportunities to be fulfilled because of the features provided by the Smart City environment is SDG 11, which is about making cities and settlements inclusive, safe, and sustainable.
Target number 11.1 is about upgrading slums and ensuring access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services. In case of the “Morar Carioca”, a program formed to decrease the Informal Settlements in Rio de Janeiro by 2020 formed on Data-driven urban planning. The usage of IoT sensors and GIS mapping helped to address inadequate housing, dangerous areas, waste disposal and also helped to track the progress. Even though the program was not able fully realize its aims, it demonstrates how innovative technologies provided by Smart Cities can simplify and enhance urban upgrading initiatives, bringing cities closer to fulfilling SDGs.
The next target, number 11.2, is aiming to provide a safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport system to all, especially for vulnerable people. With intelligent traffic management, electric vehicles, and smart cities are promoting sustainable transport systems and accessible public transport solutions. Technologies like real-time data sharing improve road safety and increase alertness. For example, Seoul was able to create intelligent transportation systems by building the Bus Information System (BIS) and the Bus Management System, where they use real-time data to collect data from buses, about their speed, location, and passenger activity. This system helps to improve bus operations and user experience. An Unmanned Enforcement System is formed to detect illegally parked cars and violations in lanes by using cameras. Urban Expressway Traffic Management System is a system that monitors through sensors to provide real-time traffic information for drivers and enhance traffic flow. These innovations collectively enhance urban mobility, reduce congestion, and improve public transportation in Seoul.
The target number 11.3 aims at the participation of the public and stakeholders in urban planning. Amsterdam city is promoting people`s contributions in the development of the Smart city. It provides an open innovation platform that unites professionals from various sectors, including government, businesses, academic institutions, and civil society organizations, to collaboratively design the future of the city.
Another target is about Safeguarding Cultural and Natural Heritage, which is also called Target 11.4. For instance, in Florence's Historic Centre, the Sustainable Development Goals serve as monitoring tools to evaluate how heritage-focused strategies and initiatives contribute to sustainable development. Italy employs 3D mapping to protect its heritage.
Target 11.5 is about using disaster risk management systems that rely on real-time data, early warning systems, and climate modelling to minimize losses from disasters. For example, Japan uses a real-time data system to warn its population about the earthquakes even before the disaster happens.
Target number 11.6 is focusing on reducing the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management. For example, San Francisco developed a smart waste management system with IoT-enabled bins that monitor fill levels and optimize collection routes, which increased the recycling percentage up to 80.
And the last target of SDG 11 is to provide universal access to safe, inclusive, and accessible, green and public spaces. Singapore, a city of green possibilities, which is known for its urban parks like the Garden by the Bay, has set its green plan to plant 1 million trees and decrease air pollution by 2030.
SDG 7 aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. In the context of smart cities, achieving this goal involves adopting technologies and strategies that enhance energy efficiency and increase the use of renewable energy. Smart grids, renewable energy sources, electric vehicles, and energy-efficient infrastructure are key components for this goal. A prime example of SDG 7 in action is Barcelona, Spain.
SDG 6 focuses on ensuring access to clean water and sanitation. It aims to sustainably manage water resources and improve water quality globally. In the context of smart cities, this goal can be achieved through the integration of advanced technologies. IoT sensors, data analytics, and AI to efficiently manage water usage, detect leaks, and monitor water quality in real time. Singapore integrated smart technologies into its water management systems through the NEWater program.
SDG 3 focuses on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages. This is integrated into the development of smart cities by utilizing technology to improve healthcare accessibility, reduce environmental risks, and promote healthier lifestyles. Barcelona's smart city initiatives showcase how data and technology can be leveraged to enhance public health. The city has implemented a system that collects real-time data from various sources, such as air quality sensors and traffic monitoring systems, to reduce pollution levels and congestion, which are major health risks. Barcelona's health services have adopted digital platforms to streamline patient care, offering remote consultations and personalized health tracking, making healthcare more accessible.
SDG 13 focuses on combating climate change, which can be effectively applied in smart cities through the integration of sustainable technologies and urban planning strategies. Singapore's Smart Nation initiative serves as a strong case study. The city-state employs advanced technologies like IoT and AI to monitor and reduce carbon emissions, optimize energy usage, and enhance climate resilience.
Barriers to the concept of Smart City
Despite the transformative potential of smart cities, several challenges must be addressed to maximize their contribution to the SDGs. One of the primary challenges is the issue of funding and resource allocation. Developing smart cities requires significant investment in technology, infrastructure, and human capital. Many cities, particularly in developing countries, face financial restrictions that limit their ability to implement smart solutions. To overcome this challenge, governments can explore public-private partnerships (PPPs), innovative financing mechanisms, and international cooperation to mobilize resources for smart city development.
Another challenge is ensuring that smart city initiatives are inclusive and equitable. There is a risk that the benefits of smart cities may favour wealthy populations while exploiting vulnerable communities. To address this, policymakers must prioritize digital inclusion, affordable housing, and accessible public services to ensure that no one is left behind. Smart city initiatives must be guided by principles of equity, transparency, and social justice to align with the overarching goals of the SDGs.
The issue of data privacy and cybersecurity also poses a significant challenge in the development of smart cities. As urban centers become increasingly digitized, the volume of data generated by IoT devices, sensors, and digital platforms raises concerns about data security and privacy. Governments and technology providers must implement strong data protection measures and cybersecurity frameworks to safeguard citizens’ information and build trust in smart city systems.
Conclusion
This paper is dedicated to the role of smart cities in efficiently achieving Sustainable Development Goals. It begins with exploring the significance of smart cities and how they contribute to fulfilling various SDG targets by real-life examples such as Singapore’s green spaces, Seoul’s intelligent transportation systems, San Francisco’s smart waste management initiatives, and others. Furthermore, it highlights the challenges, including funding gaps, digital inclusion, and data privacy concerns, which delay the widespread adoption of smart city practices.
Smart cities provide an ideal framework for achieving Sustainable Development Goals by integrating advanced technologies, urban planning, and inclusive governance. With the usage of advanced tools like IoT, Big Data, AI and others, smart cities address global challenges such as housing shortages, inefficient transportation, and environmental degradation.
Despite their potential, the successful implementation of smart cities requires addressing existing barriers through innovative financing models, public-private partnerships, and equitable policies that ensure inclusivity and accessibility for all. By overcoming these challenges, smart cities can serve as a tool for sustainable development, transforming urban areas into resilient, inclusive, and environmentally friendly communities.
In conclusion, smart cities play an important role in building a sustainable future. They offer solutions that support the goals of the SDGs while meeting the changing needs of a growing urban population. By combining technology with sustainable practices, smart cities create a clear way to improve the quality of life for people today and in the future.
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Narmin Tahirli
Aytan Mustafayeva
Aytan Mustafayeva obtained her bachelor’s degree in State and Public Relations from Baku State University. She has a strong interest in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals for a shared future, as well as in addressing contemporary socio-economic issues, such as gender inequality and labour exploitation. She is currently continuing her professional work in training and development.
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