Accessibility and Equity in Sustainable Urban Planning: Insights from Developed Countries for Developing Cities

Urban sustainability has increasingly emphasized accessibility and inclusivity, reflecting the growing recognition that urban planning must address the diverse needs of different social groups. In recent decades, several developed countries have pioneered inclusive urban planning, resulting in projects such as Vienna’s gender mainstreaming community and Barcelona’s Superblocks, which respond to differentiated needs in housing, transportation, and public space. However, these initiatives demonstrate how sustainable urban planning can enhance social equity and livability. Similar efforts in developing countries remain limited, fragmented, or nonexistent. This study examines representative cases from developed nations to discern fundamental principles and strategies that underpin effective inclusive urban planning. The study utilizes a case study and comparative analytic approach to clarify aspects such as transportation accessibility, safety, multifunctional community, and public space. The results suggest that incorporating inclusion into sustainable planning frameworks can enhance accessibility, promote social justice, and improve environmental resilience. The paper concludes by offering realistic, grounded suggestions for developing countries based on established best practices from around the world. The suggestions focus on strategies that can be tailored to each country’s social, cultural, and economic conditions.