CITY OF ARKADAG FOR COMFORTABLE AND SAFE LIFE OF THE POPULATION

Among the achievements of the past six months, the opening of the "smart" city of Arkadag, which was honored with 21 international certificates and awards, is of special significance. It has become an integrated indicator of socio-economic progress of Turkmenistan, its aspiration to high world standards of life of the people. As it was noted at the extended meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers held on Friday, the creation of such a city in just four years by domestic builders demonstrates the high power of the national economy, and is evidence of the great deeds realized in recent years for the development of the independent Fatherland.

The use of the most advanced information and communication technologies in the construction of the city, introduction of environmentally friendly public transportation, creation of green areas and various digital services will ensure comfortable and safe life of the population. These are the conditions for people's life envisaged by the eleventh SDG "Sustainable Cities and Human Settlements" aimed at ensuring openness, safety, resilience and environmental sustainability of cities and human settlements. And the Turkmen city of Arkadag serves as a worthy model for the realization of this global goal.

The UN estimates that by 2050, two-thirds of humanity - 6.5 billion people - will live in cities. Sustainable development cannot be achieved without a significant change in the way urban spaces are built and managed. Ensuring sustainable urban development means creating career and business opportunities, safe and affordable housing, investing in public transportation, creating green public spaces and improving urban planning, as well as participatory and inclusive governance.

The sustainable future to which humanity aspires implies urban infrastructure for all segments of the population, efficient energy supply, environmentally friendly transport system and many other aspects of urbanization. The key targets and indicators of SDG 11 include: inclusive and sustainable urbanization; implementation of an integrated approach in cities and human settlements; access to safe and affordable housing, sustainable transport systems, safe and inclusive green spaces and public places; preservation of the world's cultural and natural heritage, resilience to natural disasters, etc.

City of Arkadag for comfortable and safe life of the population (turkmenistan.gov.tm)