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11

Sustainable Cities And Communities

Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
Activities Environment Agriculture Ecological Farming Vegan Community Europe Northern Europe Hiking Iceland Construction Hotspots Building Schools Americas Yoga South America Peru Cusco Asia Southern Asia Nepal Africa Ecological Building South East Asia Western Africa Ghana Eastern Africa Central America Social Work Brazil Kumasi Oceania Melanesia Fiji Education Primary School Indonesia Guatemala Waste Reduction Plastic Reduction Ecuador Sumatra Planting Trees Antigua Kathmandu Intern Abroad Tanzania Construction Internship Energy and Water Arusha Kenya Madagascar Animal Shelter Costa Rica Chile Nosy Komba Cambodia Laos Philippines Street Animals Animal Mombasa Watamu Nairobi Dog Cats Volunteer and Travel Voluntourism Safari Accra Bali Ubud Nosy Be Southern Africa Swaziland Ireland Working with Seniors Elderly Care Rio de Janeiro Culture and Arts Journalism Internship San Jose Zanzibar Language Course Spanish Courses Families with small kids India Senegal Thailand Chiang Mai Panama Sri Lanka Uganda Conservation Work Coffee Vietnam Indigenous cultures Music Medical Training Annapurna Childcare Scouts Malawi Psychology Internship Pokhara Argentina Colombia Healthcare English Teaching Volleyball National Park Panama City Jamaica Himalaya Mexico Caribbean Reforestation Women Empowerment Jaipur Zimbabwe
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Filter
 Health and Environment Supporter
Zero Hunger Sustainable Cities And Communities
🔥 In High Demand
Iceland Hveragerði, Iceland
Worldwide Friends

Health and Environment Supporter

Great 4.4
(69)
⭐ Popular Video Flex Option
375 €  per week · 2  ‑  14  weeks · Age  18+ · Has Wifi

Cultivate your skills in our geothermal Greenhouse in southern Iceland. Prepare organic medicines and learn about organic agriculture. 🌱 Details >

Airport Taxi
Housing
Food
Details
 Construction and Renovation Assistant
Sustainable Cities And Communities
Peru Cusco, Peru
Maximo Nivel

Construction and Renovation Assistant

Brilliant 4.7
(110)
⭐ Popular Video Flex Option
513 €  per week · 1  ‑  50  weeks · Age  16+ · Has Wifi

Work at construction projects and help rural schools, community centers and orphanages. Details >

Airport Taxi
Housing
Food
Details
 School Construction Associate
Sustainable Cities And Communities
Nepal Tanahun, Nepal
Maya Universe Academy

School Construction Associate

Brilliant 4.8
(93)
Video Flex Option
128 €  per week · 1  ‑  13  weeks · Age  18+ · Has Wifi

Calling all aspiring adventurers! Join Maya Universe Academy's construction team in Nepal. Make a meaningful impact, and embrace a vibrant culture. Details >

Airport Taxi
Housing
Food
Details
 Green Farming Assistant
Zero Hunger Sustainable Cities And Communities
Nepal Tanahun, Nepal
Maya Universe Academy

Green Farming Assistant

Brilliant 4.8
(93)
Video Flex Option
128 €  per week · 1  ‑  13  weeks · Age  16+ · Has Wifi

Experience the joy of sustainable farming! Join Maya Universe Academy's farm team in Nepal. Embrace organic practices, connect with nature. Volunteer now! Details >

Airport Taxi
Housing
Food
Details
 Construction & Renovation
Sustainable Cities And Communities
Ghana Kumasi, Ghana
Our Generation Voluntary Organization

Construction & Renovation

Great 4.4
(54)
Video Flex Option
183 €  per week · 2  ‑  24  weeks · Age  16+ · Has Wifi

This project focuses on the construction and renovation of orphanages, clinics, community centers, toilet facilities, libraries and many more! Details >

Airport Taxi
Housing
Food
Details
 Island Teaching & School Development
Quality Education Sustainable Cities And Communities
Fiji Nadi, Fiji
Involvement Volunteers IVI

Island Teaching & School Development

Brilliant 4.7
(226)
Video Flex Option
282 €  per week · 4  ‑  4  weeks · Age  18+ · Has Wifi

A truly unique, raw and exclusive local Fijian experience! This Island lies in the outer regions of the Mamanuca Islands, approximately 1 hour fast ferry from mainland. Details >

Airport Taxi
Housing
Food
Details
 Short Term - Bioconstruction and Natural Building
Reduced Inequalities Sustainable Cities And Communities Climate Action
Brazil Nova Friburgo, Brazil
Eco Caminhos

Short Term - Bioconstruction and Natural Building

Outstanding 4.9
(80)
Video Flex Option
255 €  per week · 1  ‑  12  weeks · Age  18+ · Has Wifi

Eco Caminhos builds among the most advanced bioconstruction houses in South America. If you want to learn about bioconstruction you will be able to learn from day 1. Details >

Airport Taxi
Housing
Food
Details
 The Biggest Recycling Village in the World
Sustainable Cities And Communities Life On Land
🔥 In High Demand
Indonesia Bukit Lawang, Indonesia
Project Wings

The Biggest Recycling Village in the World

Perfect 4.6
(18)
Video Flex Option
212 €  per week · 1  ‑  26  weeks · Age  18+ · Has Wifi

Project Wings is building the biggest Recycling Village in the world out of plastic garbage, so-called Ecobricks. Permaculture. Ranger Patrol. Trash Bank. Education. Details >

Airport Taxi
Housing
Food
Details
 Construction & Renovation Support
Sustainable Cities And Communities
Guatemala Antigua, Guatemala
Maximo Nivel

Construction & Renovation Support

Brilliant 4.7
(110)
⭐ Popular Video Flex Option
513 €  per week · 1  ‑  50  weeks · Age  16+ · Has Wifi

Build a better future with us! Join our construction crew, working on high-impact projects that benefit your Guatemalan community. 🇨🇷 Details >

Airport Taxi
Housing
Food
Details
 Community Construction and Rebuilding
Sustainable Cities And Communities
Nepal Kathmandu, Nepal
Involvement Volunteers IVI

Community Construction and Rebuilding

Brilliant 4.7
(226)
Flex Option
482 €  per week · 1  ‑  20  weeks · Age  18+ · Has Wifi

Here you'll focus on the rebuilding of schools, orphanages and health centers in Kathmandu and remote villages deep in the mountains of Nepal. Details >

Airport Taxi
Housing
Food
Details
 Building & Painting Of Rural Schools (Renovation)
Quality Education Sustainable Cities And Communities Partnerships For The Goals
Ghana Abetifi, Ghana
Atlas Volunteers

Building & Painting Of Rural Schools (Renovation)

Brilliant 4.8
(310)
Video Flex Option
122 €  per week · 1  ‑  24  weeks · Age  18+ · Has Wifi

Improving local facilities by renovating unsafe structures and creating positive learning environments through painting and creative wall displays. Details >

Airport Taxi
Housing
Food
Details
 Eco Village Supporter
Sustainable Cities And Communities
Chile Maitencillo, Chile
South America Inside

Eco Village Supporter

Brilliant 4.8
(161)
Flex Option
134 €  per week · 2  ‑  12  weeks · Age  18+ · Has Wifi

Become part of a fantastic concept to protect our natural resources. A great atmosphere and interesting work await you in the eco-village in Chile. Details >

Airport Taxi
Housing
Food
Details
 Community Development Aide
Sustainable Cities And Communities
Madagascar Nosy Komba, Madagascar
MRCI - Madagascar Volunteer

Community Development Aide

Very Good 4.4
(30)
Video Flex Option
464 €  per week · 1  ‑  12  weeks · Age  18+ · Has Wifi

MRCI's Community Development Program maintains and builds infrastructures in an effort to improve the lives and living conditions of the people in our communities Details >

Airport Taxi
Housing
Food
Details
 Collaborate with the Community
Sustainable Cities And Communities
Costa Rica Carmona, Costa Rica
Eco Vida Costa Rica

Collaborate with the Community

Excellent 4.9
(13)
Flex Option
224 €  per week · 1  ‑  50  weeks · Age  19+ · Has Wifi

Collaborate in refurbishing spaces, building furniture and recycling collection points, educating the community, collaborating in cultural events and more. Details >

Airport Taxi
Housing
Food
Details
 Construction & Renovation of Community Facilities
Sustainable Cities And Communities
Laos Luang Prabang, Laos
Global Nomadic

Construction & Renovation of Community Facilities

Perfect 4.7
(17)
Flex Option
423 €  per week · 2  ‑  24  weeks · Age  18+ · Has Wifi

Come to Laos and help to build or renovate community facilities such as schools, medical centres and temples that positively affect the lives of poor people. Details >

Airport Taxi
Housing
Food
Details
 Renewable Energy Internship (in-person)
Affordable And Clean Energy Industry, Innovation And Infrastructure Sustainable Cities And Communities
Peru Lobitos, Peru
EcoSwell

Renewable Energy Internship (in-person)

Excellent 4.9
(14)
Video Flex Option
485 €  per week · 2  ‑  26  weeks · Age  18+ · Has Wifi

Work on designing and implementing sustainable renewable energy initiatives to improve the lives of people in Peruvian vulnerable communities. Details >

Airport Taxi
Housing
Food
Details
 Local Community Construction
Sustainable Cities And Communities
Philippines Aborlan, Philippines
Involvement Volunteers IVI

Local Community Construction

Brilliant 4.7
(226)
Flex Option
464 €  per week · 1  ‑  20  weeks · Age  18+ · Has Wifi

Volunteer along side local tradesman to assist in the construction of houses & schools for the local people of Philippines. Details >

Airport Taxi
Housing
Food
Details
 Construction of School Library at Eco Green School
Sustainable Cities And Communities
Kenya Malindi, Kenya
Mafanikio Organization

Construction of School Library at Eco Green School

Brilliant 4.7
(27)
Video Flex Option
166 €  per week · 2  ‑  16  weeks · Age  18+ · Has Wifi

Eco Green Primary School opened its doors to students in the heart of a village where there are no schools. The school has been built by volunteers for 4 years now. Details >

Airport Taxi
Housing
Food
Details
 Construct Schools for At-Risk Children & Families
Sustainable Cities And Communities
Kenya Maralal, Kenya
UCESCO Africa

Construct Schools for At-Risk Children & Families

Brilliant 4.8
(134)
Video Flex Option
314 €  per week · 1  ‑  30  weeks · Age  14+ · Has Wifi

Chance to work alongside local foremen & fellow International Volunteers on the ongoing construction of classrooms & dormitories for our school in Samburu Village.Join us Details >

Airport Taxi
Housing
Food
Details
 Architecture & Sustainable Construction Internship
Sustainable Cities And Communities Life On Land
Ecuador Guaranda, Ecuador
El Terreno

Architecture & Sustainable Construction Internship

Excellent 4.9
(31)
Video Flex Option
156 €  per week · 4  ‑  24  weeks · Age  18+ · Has Wifi

A hands-on, personalised internship helping local families restore cultural heritage & generate incomes, by transforming abandoned adobe buildings into attractive cabins Details >

Airport Taxi
Housing
Food
Details
Show All 117 Programs
11

Sustainable Cities And Communities

Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
Volunteer Abroad Sustainable Cities And Communities

Sustainable Cities And Communities

Cities are hubs for ideas, commerce, culture, science, productivity, social development and much more. At their best, cities have enabled people to advance socially and economically. However, many challenges exist to maintaining cities in a way that continues to create jobs and prosperity while not straining land and resources. Common urban challenges include congestion, lack of funds to provide basic services, a shortage of adequate housing and declining infrastructure.

The challenges cities face can be overcome in ways that allow them to continue to thrive and grow, while improving resource use and reducing pollution and poverty. The future we want includes cities of opportunities for all, with access to basic services, energy, housing, transportation and more.

What's the goal here?

To make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.

Facts & figures

  • Half of humanity - 3.5 billion people - lives in cities today
  • By 2030, almost 60 per cent of the world's population will live in urban areas
  • 95 per cent of urban expansion in the next decades will take place in developing world
  • 828 million people live in slums today and the number keeps rising
  • The world's cities occupy just 3 per cent of the Earth's land, but account for 60-80 per cent of energy consumption and 75 per cent of carbon emissions
  • Rapid urbanization is exerting pressure on fresh water supplies, sewage, the living environment, and public health
  • But the high density of cities can bring efficiency gains and technological innovation while reducing resource and energy consumption

Why?

Half of humanity-3.5 billion people-live in cities today, and this number will continue to grow. Because the future will be urban for a majority of people, the solutions to some of the greatest issues facing humans-poverty, climate change, healthcare, education -must be found in city life.

What are some of the most pressing challenges that cities face today?

Inequality is a big concern. 828 million people live in slums and this number keeps rising. The levels of urban energy consumption and pollution are also worrying. Cities occupy just 3 per cent of the Earth's land, but account for 60-80 per cent of energy consumption and 75 percent of carbon emissions. Many cities are also more vulnerable to climate change and natural disasters due to their high concentration of people and location so building urban resilience is crucial to avoid human, social and economic losses.

I live in a city but I'm not affected by any of these issues. Why should I care?

All these issues will eventually affect every citizen. Inequality can lead to unrest and insecurity, pollution deteriorates everyone's health and affects workers' productivity and therefore the economy, and natural disasters have the potential to disrupt everyone's lifestyles.

What happens if cities are just left to grow organically?

The cost of poorly planned urbanization can be seen in some of the huge slums, tangled traffic, greenhouse gas emissions and sprawling suburbs all over the world. Slums are a drag on GDP, and lower life expectancy. By choosing to act sustainably we choose to build cities where all citizens live a decent quality of life, and form a part of the city's productive dynamic, creating shared prosperity and social stability without harming the environment.

Is it expensive to put sustainable practices in place?

The cost is minimal in comparison with the benefits. For example, there is a cost to creating a functional public transport network, but the benefits are huge in terms of economic activity, quality of life, the environment, and the overall success of a networked city.

What can I do to help achieve this goal?

  • Take an active interest in the governance and management of your city
  • Take notice of what works, and what doesn't in your community
  • Advocate for the kind of city you believe you need
  • Develop a vision for your building, street, and neighbourhood, and act on that vision. Are there enough jobs? Are you close to healthcare? Can your children walk to school safely? Can you walk with your family at night? How far is the nearest public transport? What's the air quality like? What are your shared public spaces like? The better the conditions you create in your community, the greater the effect on quality of life.

Where are volunteer projects that need my help?

Africa
  • Ghana
  • Kenya
  • Madagascar
  • Malawi
  • Senegal
  • Swaziland
  • Tanzania
  • Uganda
  • Zimbabwe
Americas
  • Brazil
  • Costa Rica
  • Ecuador
  • Guatemala
  • Jamaica
  • Mexico
  • Panama
  • Peru
Asia
  • Cambodia
  • India
  • Indonesia
  • Laos
  • Nepal
  • Philippines
  • Sri Lanka
  • Thailand
Europe
  • Iceland
Oceania
  • Fiji

Discover related Sustainable Development Goals

The Sustainable Development Goals aim to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all. As such, the 17 SDGs and its associated 169 targets do not stand alone, but are are interconnected. The key to success on one will involve tackling issues more commonly associated with another. If you are interested in supporting a cause addressing to the goal {sdg.name}, you might also be interested in the related goals No Poverty, Zero Hunger, Good Health And Well-Being, Decent Work And Economic Growth, Industry, Innovation And Infrastructure, Responsible Consumption And Production and Climate Action.

Please visit the website of the United Nations to find out more about Goal 11 Sustainable Cities And Communities and other Sustainable Development Goals.

Source: United Nations

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