United Nations Human Settlements Programme

United Nations Human Settlements Programme

The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is an agency of the United Nations that focuses on sustainable urban development and the improvement of human settlements worldwide. It was established in 1978 and is headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya.

History

UN-Habitat was created as a response to the rapid urbanization and the challenges it posed to human settlements. The agency's mandate is to promote socially and environmentally sustainable cities and towns, with the goal of providing adequate shelter for all.

Objectives

The main objectives of UN-Habitat are:

1. Promoting sustainable urbanization: UN-Habitat works towards creating cities and towns that are environmentally friendly, socially inclusive, and economically productive. It advocates for the adoption of policies and practices that promote sustainable urban development.

2. Improving urban governance: The agency supports efforts to strengthen local governance and empower communities in decision-making processes. It promotes participatory planning and management of urban areas, aiming to ensure that the needs and aspirations of all residents are taken into account.

3. Providing adequate shelter for all: UN-Habitat strives to ensure that everyone has access to safe, affordable, and adequate housing. It works with governments, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to develop housing policies and programs that address the housing needs of vulnerable populations.

4. Promoting sustainable urban infrastructure: UN-Habitat advocates for the development of sustainable and resilient urban infrastructure, including transportation systems, water and sanitation facilities, and energy services. It promotes the use of innovative technologies and practices to improve the efficiency and sustainability of urban infrastructure.

Programs and Initiatives

UN-Habitat implements various programs and initiatives to achieve its objectives. Some of the key programs include:

1. Urban Planning and Design: This program focuses on promoting effective urban planning and design practices. It provides technical assistance to governments and local authorities in developing urban plans that are inclusive, sustainable, and responsive to the needs of the population.

2. Housing and Slum Upgrading: UN-Habitat works to improve housing conditions in slums and informal settlements. It supports slum upgrading initiatives that aim to provide basic services, infrastructure, and tenure security to residents.

3. Urban Economy and Finance: This program aims to strengthen the economic base of cities and towns. It promotes sustainable economic development, job creation, and entrepreneurship in urban areas.

4. Urban Resilience and Climate Change: UN-Habitat addresses the challenges of climate change and urban resilience. It supports cities in developing strategies to adapt to climate change and reduce their vulnerability to natural disasters.

Impact and Achievements

Over the years, UN-Habitat has made significant contributions to sustainable urban development. It has helped governments and local authorities in developing countries to improve their urban planning and management capacities. The agency has also played a crucial role in promoting the inclusion of urban issues in the global development agenda, including the Sustainable Development Goals.

See also

• United Nations
• Sustainable Development Goals
• Urbanization
• Urban Planning

External links

• Official website of UN-Habitat