Sustainable Cities and Communities
Building Resilient, Inclusive and Sustainable Human Settlements
About SDG 11
Sustainable Development Goal 11 (SDG 11) aims to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. It emphasizes improving access to housing, transport, and basic services while minimizing the environmental impact of urbanization and strengthening resilience to natural and human-made disasters.
For Botswana, this goal is a critical pillar of Vision 2036, particularly under the Prosperity for All and Sustainable Environment pillars, which envision well-planned, climate-resilient, and technologically enabled cities and villages that support equitable growth and high living standards.
BIUST’s Commitment to SDG 11
The Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST) plays a pivotal role in advancing SDG 11 through innovation, research, and community-driven projects that promote sustainable human settlements and resilient infrastructure.
Under the BIUST Transformative Strategy 2023–2028, the University is committed to:
- Advancing STEM-based innovations that address urban and rural infrastructure challenges.
- Building strategic partnerships with government, private sector, and communities, and
- Contributing policy and technical expertise to national and regional urban development efforts.
Key BIUST Initiatives Supporting SDG 11
- Smart Village Initiative – Pilikwe: BIUST’s Smart Village Initiative leverages digital technology, renewable energy, and local innovation to transform Pilikwe into a sustainable rural community model. The project integrates solar energy, digital education, and water management solutions to improve livelihoods and reduce rural-urban migration pressures.
- Sustainable Infrastructure Research and Training: Through its Faculty of Engineering and Applied Sciences, BIUST conducts research in sustainable building materials, renewable energy systems, and green infrastructure, contributing to resilient city planning and eco-efficient construction.
- Partnerships for Urban Innovation: BIUST collaborates with the Ministry of Lands and Water Affairs, and other institutions on sustainability and resilience projects, strengthening national capacity for climate-smart infrastructure and water resource management.
- STEM Education for Sustainable Communities: Through community outreach programmes, BIUST promotes STEM literacy and innovation to empower local youth in developing practical solutions for urban and rural sustainability.
What This Means for BIUST
National Impact: BIUST’s innovation ecosystem supports national infrastructure development and urban sustainability priorities under NDP 12.
Knowledge Leadership: The University strengthens Botswana’s capacity for applied research in smart cities, green energy, and infrastructure planning.
Community Empowerment: Through initiatives like Smart Villages, BIUST bridges the rural-urban divide, demonstrating how technology can drive inclusive development.
Global Contribution: By aligning with SDG 11, BIUST contributes to the African Union’s Agenda 2063 Goal 7 — Environmentally sustainable and climate-resilient economies and communities.
Conclusion
BIUST’s approach to SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities reflects a holistic vision that connects science, innovation, and human development. Through research, partnerships, and community initiatives, the University contributes to a Botswana where urban and rural settlements are resilient, inclusive, and sustainable — fulfilling the aspirations of Vision 2036, NDP 12, and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development