United Nations praises Liverpool for sustainable development
Liverpool was today held up as a flagship model of sustainable development by the United Nations.
The city is the first in the UK to be listed in the UN-Habitat index of 100 cities shown to be bridging urban divides and promoting a cleaner, greener and safer agenda.
Liverpool was named an “exemplar city” in the UN’s World Urban Campaign 100 Cities Initiative for its public-private sector approach to sustainability.
Cllr Nick Small, cabinet member for employment, enterprise and skills, said: “Liverpool clearly has a great story to tell, which resonates across the world and more people want to hear it.
“This is an exciting development and a considerable honour. Only 21 other cities have so far joined the 100 Cities Initiative, and Liverpool is the first UK participant.
“The UN has recognised our commitment to building a better sustainable future for our citizens.”
“It offers the city the chance to learn from others, share our experience and build long term international relationships which the city can benefit from for many years, as well as showcasing the city to potential investors and visitors.”
Liverpool was formally adopted into the scheme, which recognises good urban planning, ecological and economic sustainability, at a ceremony in Amsterdam.
The city’s request to be included was pushed forward by Liverpool Vision in conjunction with the council and a range of high-profile private and public sector partners, including Peel, Cofely/GDF SUEZ and Arup.
They put forward a portfolio of nine case studies championing the city’s approach to sustainable living, including the Eldonian Village and the pioneering work of the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine.
Liverpool will now be showcased at the World Urban Forum in Naples, Italy, in 2012 as one of the cities which align to the sustainable development principles of the UN-Habitat programme
The last World Urban Forum in Rio in 2010 attracted 14,000 participants.
Max Steinberg, chief executive of Liverpool Vision, said: “We have always said that our city must not stand still and that we must take every opportunity to maintain our momentum and build a more prosperous city.
“The city has picked up many accolades in recent years and is well known for its excellence in many sectors, but we are not resting on our laurels.
“There must be no let-up and that is why we opened an embassy in London, it’s why we bid for the Global Entrepreneurship Congress, beating other cities from around the world and now joining the UN-Habitat 100 Cities Initiative will allow us to take further steps forward.
“Being part of this initiative will grant us exposure to a global network of private sector partners that are promoting leading edge practices in sustainable urban development and give us insight into new public-private partnerships and models for investment.”
UN-Habitat spokeswoman Ana Moreno, added: “We will be pleased to have Liverpool’s experience at the World Urban Forum next September, 2012, in Naples, to show best practices on how to improve citizens’ quality of life. We expect more cities to join this initiative.”
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