About Collingwood World Summit: Habitat in Towns
Towns have a key role to play in fostering sustainable development and achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) based on their scale and population. With over 26% of the worlds population living in towns and small cities they are key actors in moving forward the 2030 Agenda. The 2030 Agenda is a global framework of action for prosperity that places people, peace and the planet at the centre of sustainable development. Although local governments are increasingly being recognized for their accomplishments as champions for sustainable development, they require capacity and resources to ensure that further urban development is well-organized and equitable. Whether or not towns and local governments are sufficiently empowered will determine whether the SDGs succeed or fail. Small towns, like large cities, also face global challenges of Agenda 2030 in the current COVID 19 context. 


The first Collingwood World Summit (Summit) was held virtually in conjunction with the 75th anniversary of United Nations on September 1st and 2nd, 2020. This event was a great success with over 80 speakers representing mayors, planners, developers, academics and financial institutions from across the world. Additionally, the Summit brought participants from nearly 300 cities across 50 countries. It was the beginning of an important global dialogue and exchange of ideas on sustainable development at the scale of towns and small cities through the lens of the UN SDGs. The 17 SDGs take into account that action in one area will affect outcomes in other areas and that development must balance all three dimensions of sustainability: social, economic and environmental. 

The Resolution, main output of the first Summit, identifies key areas for consideration to move forward the SDGs, and in particular SDG 11 (sustainable cities and communities). This includes fostering new approaches to urban sustainability, creating a strong global hub for towns and small cities, establishing an international town leaders network, and moving forward identified actions in the Resolution. 

To advance the sustainable development goals in towns, Collingwood in partnership with UN-Habitat and UEF is hosting the second Collingwood World Summit on October 7th and 8th in conjunction with World Habitat Day. Town leaders by coming together in this international gathering will work towards creating a strong campaign for realizing the SDGs and supporting towns in securing economic prosperity and the advancement of the 2030 Agenda. 

 

The Town of Collingwood is located in Ontario, Canada at the base of the Niagara Escarpment between the hills of Blue Mountain and the shores of Georgian Bay where four significant watersheds empty into the Collingwood Harbour. It is a place with an abundance of nature and a picturesque downtown which offers a historic and rustic experience for both local residents and tourists. Collingwood understands and appreciates the importance of its location and natural assets and is working hard to be a leader in sustainable development making it a great place to host the Collingwood World Summit 2021.   

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