Development strategy of the world’s largest cities in recent years «turned green» substantially and include as priority the maintenance of the quality of the environment and reduce the risks posed by global climate change. The article analyzes the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations (2016-2030) from the standpoint of sustainability and quality of life of communities, primarily in the big cities. Proceeding from these positions the authors consider the relationship and interaction between different Goals, targets and indicators for their implementation. Particular attention is paid to international indices of city prosperity and cities outlook, the global cities index. Constructive methodological and instrumental basis for solving urban problems is the concept of ecosystem services and payments for these services. The largest cities and megalopolises should be prioritized and pioneer objects in the system of payments for ecosystem services or compensation for the loss of the quality of these services, which eventually should become nationwide and provide a sustainable long-run development of the country.