Human rights at the intersection of global sustainability goals and urban development

Abstract

Following in the footsteps of Aristotle, the study begins with the premise that the primary purpose of the city is to ensure a life of dignity and fulfillment for its inhabitants. It applies this philosophical principle to 21st-century global governance frameworks, primarily the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The research highlights that although the SDGs and human rights conventions operate according to different logics, their underlying principles are closely intertwined. SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities) and the UN New Urban Agenda represent the “urban turn” in sustainability, invoking the right to the city and the principle of participation, yet they do not elevate these to a legally enforceable right under international law. We also demonstrate how Lefebvre’s concept of the “right to the city” has evolved into the contemporary “human rights cities” movement, in which local governments become effective defenders of social rights. The section addressing the European localization of the SDGs highlights the weakening of the social dimension of the European Green Deal while showcasing positive examples of voluntary urban reporting and climate neutrality initiatives. The study argues that sustainable urban development can only be effective if human rights principles are an integral part of planning and financing processes. Cities thus become key players, serving as a bridge between global sustainability goals and the everyday quality of life of local communities.