Student AffairsPursuing a career that aligns with SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities enables you to create urban areas that are inclusive, safe, and sustainable. This goal focuses on affordable housing, urban planning, and disaster resilience. Be part of shaping the cities of the future.
The Goal: Sustainable Cities and Communities
This goal aims to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. It includes ensuring access to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services, providing access to safe, affordable, accessible, and sustainable transport systems, reducing the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, and providing universal access to safe, inclusive, and accessible green and public spaces.
The Work
Achieving SDG 11 involves making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. It requires improving urban planning and management, ensuring access to affordable housing and basic services, and enhancing public transportation. Investing in green spaces, reducing urban pollution, and promoting disaster resilience are essential. Collaboration between governments, local communities, and the private sector is crucial to create sustainable urban environments.
The Skills
Below is a list of key skills that are in demand for careers related to SDG 11. While it is not necessary to master all of these skills, familiarity with them can enhance your readiness and competitiveness in the job market
- Urban Planning
- Environmental Science
- Community Building
- Project Management
- Sustainability Practices
- Policy Understanding
- Technical Skills
- Innovation
- Advocacy
- Crisis Management
Engagement with Queen's and Kingston
You can support SDG 11 by engaging in local urban planning initiatives, advocating for affordable housing, and promoting sustainable transportation options like cycling and public transit. Volunteering for community clean-up projects, supporting green spaces, and raising awareness about sustainable urban development are impactful ways to contribute. Encouraging community resilience and disaster preparedness further helps create safer and more sustainable cities.
Volunteering in Kingston
Past QUIP Internships
- Building and Systems Engineering Intern
- Sustainability Intern
- Civil Engineering Temporary Co-op Position
- Rail Engineering intern
- Industrial Clean Technologies Student
- Senior Technical Student - Priority Transit
- Transit Civil Coop Student
- Transit Infrastructure Coop
- Transit Management Systems Student
- Student - Transportation Planning & Deisgn
- Project Coordinator, Technology Transportation Co-op
- Urban Planning Apprentice
Sample Undergraduate Courses
- GPHY 332 Cities and Planning for Sustainable Development
- CIVL 431 Infrastructure Rehabilitation
- MNTC 418 Sustainability and the Environment
- DEVS 354 Cities and Urbanization in the South
Certificate in Urban Planning Studies | Department of Geography and Planning (queensu.ca)
Sample Graduate Courses
- Master program in Urban and Regional Planning (SURP)
- DEVS 866 Approaches to Sustainable Livelihood Development
- SURP 831 International Urban Planning
- SURP 881 GIS in Urban Planning
Career Possibilities
- Transportation Planner
- Urban Planner
- Sustainable Architect
- Green Building Consultant
- Urban Ecologist
- Housing Policy Analyst
- Disaster Risk Reduction Specialist
- Epidemiologist
- Smart City Developer
- Urban Economist
- Urban Designer
- Urban Policy Analyst
Corporations, NGOs, and Government Agencies
Corporations can contribute to sustainable cities and communities by adopting sustainable business practices that minimize their environmental impact and enhance urban resilience. They can invest in green infrastructure, such as energy-efficient buildings and sustainable transportation systems.
By supporting community development initiatives, companies can help improve the quality of life in urban areas. Additionally, corporations can engage in partnerships with local governments and organizations to address urban challenges and promote sustainable urban planning and development.
- National Housing Strategy (NHS)
- Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)
- Parks Canada
- Natural Resources Canada
- Environment and Climate Change Canada
- Transport Canada
Additional Resources
- Queen’s contributions to the UN Sustainable Development Goals: SDG 11
- See the "Dive Deeper" section on the Next Steps page.
-
Explore the articles below to learn how to build a sustainable future in Kingston:
