- What is it?: UN-Habitat (United Nations Human Settlements Programme) is the UN agency responsible for promoting sustainable urban development and improving the living conditions of people in cities and human settlements around the world.
- Founded: Established in 1978, it became a specialized agency of the United Nations in 2001.
- Headquarters: Based in Nairobi, Kenya.
- Mission: To promote socially and environmentally sustainable human settlements and provide adequate shelter for all. It works to improve the living standards of people living in urban areas, particularly in developing countries.
- Sustainable Urbanization: Focuses on issues such as urban planning, affordable housing, access to basic services (water, sanitation, energy), and sustainable infrastructure.
- Global Initiatives:
- Urban Agenda: Supports the global urban agenda through policies and programs that contribute to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).
- Slum Upgrading: Works towards slum improvement by addressing challenges such as inadequate housing, lack of infrastructure, and poor living conditions.
- Climate Change and Resilience: Promotes building climate-resilient cities and human settlements to adapt to the effects of climate change.
- Capacity Building: Provides technical assistance, research, and training to local governments and stakeholders on urban planning and development.
- Global Partnerships: Collaborates with national governments, international organizations, civil society, and the private sector to implement urban development projects.
- Key Programs:
- Participatory Slum Upgrading Program (PSUP): Aims to improve the living conditions of slum dwellers.
- City Resilience Action Planning: Helps cities improve resilience against natural disasters and climate change.