Pluralism
'Sustainable Jerusalem' consists of a complex interethnic and multicultural society living in peaceful coexistence. It strives to foster pluralism and to prevent social exclusion. Balanced planning of residential and economic facilities assures demographic equilibrium between the different groups, and reverses the phenomenon of urban exodus.
Tolerance
Respect for different life-styles and beliefs is achieved by lowering the sources of tension between the population groups living in the city. Education and cultural policies advocate mutual recognition while urban planning encourages opportunities for meeting and interaction.
Equity
Social equity is fostered through equal provision of quality public services and infrastructure. This implies bridging the gap between Arab and Jewish populations, between East and West Jerusalem, and between rich and poor communities and neighborhoods.
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Quality Schools
Cultivating education is a top priority in a city that seeks to promote sustainable progress. Thus, the means of the different education systems are progressively augmented both in human resources and material facilities. High-school curricula are broadened to include the multiple facets of knowledge. The teaching profession fully regains its social standing, attracting high quality personnel, given full support and training to deal with the challenges of the future.
Higher Education
Jerusalem's role is confirmed as Israel's National and International capital for advanced studies in traditional and modern fields. Greater resources are allocated to promote research in science and technologies that are adapted to the principles of sustainability.
Equal Opportunities
Each community is given the freedom and means to develop its own education philosophy, while actively contributing to a pluralistic national education system. All sectors of the population enjoy equal access to education facilities, cultural activities and sport. In addition to elementary schools, quality pre-schools and afternoon-
education centers are found in every neighborhood, adapted to the character of the population.
Education for Tolerance
New education schemes and cultural activities in schools, yeshivas and community centers foster tolerance and acceptance of others, thereby stemming the general deterioration in social relations in the city.
Environmental Education and Leadership
Innovative programs for children and adults increase awareness of the importance of environmental issues, and deepen the connection of the residents of Jerusalem with their heritage.
Supplementary adult education programs allows decision-
makers, planners, teachers and community leaders to acquire up-to-date knowledge in the field of sustainable development and the Jerusalem environment.
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Urban Wealth
Sustainable economic progress implies the improvement of wealth and employment without destroying the environmental support system. In Jerusalem, this means the expansion of a wide range of non-polluting high-tech industries and cultural enterprises attracting and promoting expertise.
Cultural and Eco-Tourism
The historic character of Jerusalem, its landscape and architecture, are sustained in a long-term economic vision, as the permanent assets for the industries of tourism, pilgrimage and recreation. National and international ventures, conferences and festivals reinforce the value of the city. Accommodation facilities from youth hostels to world class hotels offer hospitality in the 'spirit of the Place'.
Regeneration of the Center
The center of the city regains its vitality and becomes the hart of Jerusalem's social life. The Municipality, residents and local merchants cooperate to foster commerce, craft and culture. Public and private housing projects for mixed populations attract families, young people and new immigrants, enjoying quality urban life. The further creation of 'ghost neighborhood' and under- occupied condominiums is avoided.
Environmental Costs
The economic costs of development takes into account environmental considerations such as pollution, waste of non-renewable resources and the destruction of existing social or physical fabrics. Investments bringing lasting improvement to the general quality of life are given priority.
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Participation
To be efficient, Sustainable Development relies on democratic participation. Residents and neighborhood representatives are actively involved in the planning process at both local and metropolitan level; they share in decision- making and management of specific projects to improve the quality of life. The public is aware of its rights and responsibilities, thoroughly informed and regularly consulted about planning and environmental issues
Urban Democracy
Citizens are encouraged to take an active role in choosing their Mayor, each part of the city electing its representatives on the Municipal Council. Neighborhood-Community councils are strengthened, their means augmented and their involvement in developing and planning increased.
Neighborhood Solidarity
The ideal of co-operation and mutual solidarity among the residents of the city is adopted. As such, communities in more developed areas support neighborhoods encountering problems that threaten their environment and quality of life.
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Pollution: air, noise and light
Sustainable development strives to eradicate the sources of air pollution, to regain the purity of air in Jerusalem; as such, it contributes to reduce the Greenhouse Effect. It eliminates excessive noise both in developed and natural areas, to regain peace and quiet. A balanced, sensitive approach to public lighting is adopted throughout landscapes and city streets.
Cleanliness and Maintenance
A high standard of cleanliness and maintenance is ensured all over the city. Public gardens, sidewalks and amenities are well kept, with easy access, clear of garbage and animal waste.
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Waste.
Advanced ecological means of collection, disposal, treating and recycling of solid waste are adopted throughout the city. Metropolitan recycling industries create a sustainable economic system for solid waste treatment, and market the recycled products - compost, plastic, aluminum, glass and paper - both for city use and broader markets. Legislation is effective in keeping builders' rubble from destroying landscapes and natural habitats.
Sewage.
The sewage system is completed throughout the city. In East Jerusalem, a purification plant is built, matching the plant on the West Side of the city.
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