Excellent critique with some valid points, not least of all that the SDGs are aspirational and therefore do not have to be implemented in entirety by any state, developed or otherwise. However given the rise of populist nationalism in neoliberal western economies, I disagree that cosmopolitanism is more rational to achieve in richer countries. Globalized capitalistic investment in African capital, land, labour and entrepeneurial skills illustrates evidence to the contrary. See World Economic Forum 2018 https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2018/01/time-new-social-contract-inequality-work-sharan-burrow
Cosmopolitanism is to acquire the sense of sharing with other people the values of the unification of the common "reason and nature". Cosmopolitanism can be assimilated to universalism in the common need to overcome social and political differences, but while the former expresses individualistic tendencies, the second, anti-individualist, believes that national belonging can be preserved by maintaining the cohesion between individuals. A cosmopolitan attitude can also be seen in internationalism in which, however, national distinction and economic, social and political collaboration remain. Therefore they can achieve successfull outcomes.
My answer is: Both are possible. The values of big cities should not be understated, although the quick expansion of cities or the global trend of urbanization did raise many issues, including urban poverty and inequality. Historically speaking, the urbanization progress brought both positive and negative effects on the social-economic development of most societies. For the Global South and most developing countries, urbanization provides some solutions for their economic and political problems. Just take a look at them, in particular, China, you may find this urbanization progress has just started and they may continue their urban development policy evolutions for a while. Many issues would surely rise out of those changes, and the worst thing would be the approach of pushing for the biased side of opinions, while some academic dialogues promote political manipulations, sadly.
@ Ronaldo apologies for the delay in my response, I have been focused on academic deadlines I have to meet towards my PhD.
The scope of my postgraduate research is concerned with the failure of neoliberalism to achieve cosmopolitan principles of equality and non discrimination in Western European economies.
I do not claim to have a solution to this dichotomy between theory and praxis of human rights norms; I recommend the 2030 Agenda provides opportunities for states to address existing gaps through an inclusive, holistic and dynamic approach to the implementation of SDG targets. Notably SDG 16 requires strengthening of legal anti-discrimination frameworks e.g. the DDPA 2001and ICERD 1965.
Hw can one explain the rising polarization/nationalism in countries (such as in Europe) where there is no rising income inequality? Try envy and the demolition of social cohesion through the rise of individualism as possible explanations. Or better as causes that have to be investigated and/or taken seriouusly into account .
The world is facing major challenges: more and more conflicts, increasing inequality, extreme weather events, security threats such as nuclear weapons. The problems of the world go beyond the boundaries. Nationalisms and polarizations hold back the struggle for the conquest of cosmopolitan values.