Well-managed urbanization generates economic growth, social harmony, political advances and scientific progress while poorly managed urbanization generates social exclusion, poverty, uncontrolled urban sprawl, pollution, and unsustainable consumption of land, water and other natural resources.

The approach is to support sustainable urbanization by giving emphasis to the developing of inclusive and participatory urban planning and local development practices, incorporating the aspect of policy-making and strategy development, while taking into account gender and age factors. Attention will be given to developing tools and methodologies for institutional and organizational development and for resource management with a view to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. A specific focus will be on the modalities for fostering inter-linkages between the public, private and civil spheres, particularly in terms of promoting transparency, accountability and civic engagement.

A major objective is to promote urbanization through adoption of legislation on political and fiscal decentralization. Furthermore, capacities at the local level will be enhanced to spur local economic growth and development. These goals will be met through the effective engagement of normative and implementing partners at all levels combined in the Sustainable Urban development Network (SUD-Net).