Moscow has been certified according to the ISO 37120-2018 “Sustainable Cities and Communities” international standard, which sets the main indicators for the quality of life and the provision of urban services. Experts assessed 68 indicators in economy, innovation, healthcare, education, transport and security, Moscow Deputy Mayor Natalia Sergunina explains.

Currently, the ISO 37120 standard has been or is being implemented by more than 100 cities in 35 countries around the world. ISO 37120 certified metropolitan areas include London, Dubai, Barcelona, ​​Amsterdam, Sydney and Toronto.

«Each city is analyzed according to a range of parameters. The objective assessment of experts and the ability to compare the results with other megacities help to see the city’s advantages and identify those areas that require additional attention. The certificate we received confirms that Moscow complies with high international standards of sustainable development,» — explained Natalya Sergunina, Moscow Deputy Mayor.

The certificate will enable Moscow to apply for further certification in accordance with ISO 37122-2019 Smart Cities and 37123-2019 Resilient Cities. Moreover, the ISO 37120 standard takes into account most of the indicators that reflect the city’s commitment to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

«On behalf of the World Council on City Data, I enthusiastically welcome the city of Moscow as the first Russian city to join the WCCD Global Urban Initiative. Given the usefulness of ISO 37120 in urban planning and management, economic development and investment attractiveness, improved service delivery and localization of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, I have no doubt that Moscow will make a significant contribution to our common goal of creating a more sustainable and prosperous future for cities across the world, » — commented Patricia Mccarney, President and CEO of the World Council on City Data (WCCD).

The ISO 37120-2018 standard includes indicators grouped into 19 sectors of urban infrastructure and urban management. These indicators are checked by experts from the World Council on City Data (WCCD) and then by independent experts. They assess not only the correctness and relevance of the indicators, but also the methodology for their calculation.