Leaving no urban citizens behind: An urban equality framework for deploying the sustainable development goals

Urban dwellers globally are experiencing systematic and intersectional inequalities—heightened by the COVID-19 crisis. In this regard, the UN sustainable development goals (SDGs) have a key role in guiding sustainable and equitable urban planning and development. Yet enduring contradictions across the goals, siloed approaches, or the complexities of implementation, means that SDG localization may fall short of the transformative aim to “leave no one behind.” In this perspective, we provide a practical framework for mobilizing “urban equality” through the 2030 Agenda. We present a content analysis of the intersections between “urban” and “equality” references across the 17 SDGs, and associated targets and indicators, drawing out four key areas for accelerating an urban equality agenda. This framework is presented with the aim of identifying clear opportunities for mobilizing the SDGs through an urban equality lens—and shaping further research, policy, and practice, which ensures that we “leave no urban citizens behind.”