UN-Habitat

UN-Habitat: Building Sustainable Cities and Communities

The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is a global agency working to provide housing, improve living conditions, and shape the future of our cities and human settlements. Founded in 1977, UN-Habitat has become a leading authority on sustainable urban development and offers a wide range of technical assistance, policy advice, and capacity building programmes to over 195 countries.

Mission and Objectives:

UN-Habitat’s mission is "to promote socially and environmentally sustainable human settlements and cities." They work to:

• Enhance urban planning and management
• Improve housing affordability and accessibility
• Reduce urban poverty and inequality
• Promote green and inclusive cities
• Strengthen urban governance and financing mechanisms

Programme Areas:

UN-Habitat engages in various programme areas including:

• Urban planning and management: Providing technical assistance to cities in land management, zoning, and transportation planning.
• Affordable housing: Supporting the development and implementation of affordable housing strategies and programmes.
• Disaster risk reduction: Strengthening urban resilience to natural disasters and climate change.
• Informal settlements: Working towards the formalization and upgrading of informal settlements.
• Urban governance: Enhancing the capacity of urban governments to deliver services effectively and efficiently.

Collaboration and Partnerships:

UN-Habitat works in close collaboration with various stakeholders including:

• Governments
• Private sector
• Civil society
• Academic institutions
• Other UN agencies

Notable Achievements:

• Developed and implemented housing strategies for low-income communities in over 60 cities.
• Established the Global Housing Network, a platform for exchanging knowledge and best practices in housing.
• Developed Urbanize.space, a platform providing open data and insights on urban issues.

Future Directions:

UN-Habitat has outlined the "New Urban Agenda" which outlines a vision for sustainable, inclusive, and resilient cities and human settlements. This agenda aims to:

• Enhance inclusive urban governance
• Promote sustainable transport
• Reduce urban inequality
• Strengthen local economies
• Deal with the social and environmental consequences of rapid urbanization

FAQs:

1. What is UN-Habitat’s budget?

UN-Habitat’s regular budget in 2023 is approximately US$1 billion.

2. How many staff does UN-Habitat have?

UN-Habitat has a workforce of over 4,000 people.

3. Where is UN-Habitat headquartered?

UN-Habitat is headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya.

4. What are UN-Habitat’s main areas of work?

UN-Habitat’s main areas of work include urban planning, housing, disaster risk reduction, informal settlements, and urban governance.

5. How can I get involved with UN-Habitat?

There are many ways to get involved with UN-Habitat, such as volunteering, donating, and participating in public consultations.