MULTILATERAL GOVERNANCE THROUGH KOREA NUPP IN 8 COUNTRIES

Urban Policy 6 June 2023

MULTILATERAL GOVERNANCE THROUGH KOREA NATIONAL URBAN POLICY PROGRAMME IN 8 COUNTRIES: TRANSFORMING LIFE FROM PHASE1 TO PHASE 2

NUPP Phase 2 Expands Multilateral Urban Governance:

UN-Habitat's Korea-backed National Urban Policy Programme (NUPP) advances to Phase 2, adding five countries. A Nairobi event highlights NUPP's success in eight nations, fostering collaboration for effective urban policies.

Inclusive Urban Growth through NUPP Phase 2:

NUPP's transformative impact: reduced inequalities, balanced growth. Phase 2 emphasizes inclusivity, smart city development, and SDGs alignment. Lessons from Phase 1 shared, promoting sustainable urbanization.

NAIROBI, KENYA, 5TH JUNE 2023

UN-Habitat’s Korea-funded National Urban Policy Programme continues to see many gains on national urban policy, with ongoing support to countries as they develop and implement their urban policies. The programme recently concluded phase 1 https://urbanpolicyplatform.org/download/2017-2022-korea-nupp-final-report-i-r-iran-myanmar-nigeria/and phase 2 has already kicked off, expanding the NUP support to 5 more countries.

Once again, the UN-Habitat Assembly brought together global leaders and experts to discuss pressing urban challenges and innovative solutions.Among the notable events was a side event titled “Transforming Life from Phase 1 to Phase 2,” which focused on multilateral governance through Korea’s National Urban Policy Programme (NUPP) in eight countries. The event served as an opportunity to share knowledge and experiences, highlighting the role of multilateral governance in the success of phase 1 of the national urban policy programme.

The session consisted of various segments and presentations, aimed at enhancing the capacity of participants from different sectors. A total of 59 participants attended, including representatives from the UN agency (32), public sector (25), private sector (1), and academia (1). The event not only provided valuable insights but also facilitated discussions between high-level country representatives and development partners, focusing on multilateral collaboration and resource mobilization to advance their respective NUPs.

The event commenced with Mr. Byungwoo Gil, the Director General for Urban Policy of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport, Republic of Korea, delivered the opening remarks.He expressed gratitude to all participants and emphasized the importance of urban policies in building sustainable, resilient, and safe cities. He highlighted the commitment of the Government of Korea to assist other countries in developing their urban policies, especially those supported in Phase 2 of the programme.

Ministerial representatives from various countries then shared their perspectives on the NUP and its impact. “NUP process offers a guiding framework through which indicators of urbanization can be measured and evaluated” Ms. Cecilia Chamutota, Deputy-Minister from Mozambique stated, she further highlighted their engagement in urbanization as a catalyst for socio-economic development and reducing inequalities.

“The Republic of Paraguay appreciates being a participant in NUPP phase 2 and thus looks forward to more collaboration with the Republic of Korea and UN-Habitat to transform its cities towards sustainable development” Mr. Jorge Bosch, Vice-Minister of Urbanism and Habitat from Paraguay and expressed gratitude for being selected as a beneficiary country in NUPP Phase 2.

Mr. Abdel Khalek Ibrahim, Assistant to the Minister of Housing from Egypt, discussed their NUP journey, rooted in extensive stakeholder consultations and aligned with the New Urban Agenda. “NUP implementation in Egypt aims at addressing cities’ unique challenges to enhance balanced regional development, connectivity, and economic growth” he stated. They await final approval and as part of NUPP phase 2, plan to develop people-centered smart cities in line with the Sustainable Development Goals.

Mr. Olakunde Akinola, Director from the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing in Nigeria, expressed gratitude to Korea and UN-Habitat for their support in developing a state urban policy for Niger State. He emphasized Nigeria’s goal of achieving sustainable and resilient cities by localizing Sustainable Development Goal 11 and promoting guided development. Mr. Akinola also praised the progress made in developing state urban policies in Lagos and Abia States.

Following this, a panel discussion took place featuring Korean experts who shared insights on the transition from Phase 1 to Phase 2 of the NUPP. Ms. Yeonjin An highlighted the challenges faced during Phase 1, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and praised the collaborative response of Korea, UN-Habitat, and participating countries. Successful demonstration projects were presented as examples, demonstrating the positive effects on community well-being during the pandemic.

Ms. Youn Hee Jeong, emphasized the importance of a people-centered approach to smart city development and the need for inclusivity, accessibility, and inclusiveness throughout the NUP process. She added that Korea’s expertise and knowledge could greatly benefit other countries in realizing their urbanization goals.

Ms. Beckhee Cho, General Director of the Global Cooperation Centre at Korea Land and Housing Corporation (LH), highlighted LH’s role in implementing the NUP by leveraging their experience in creating a guiding framework, capacity building, and knowledge sharing. LH looked forward to collaborating with the eight participating countries in NUPP Phase 2, including in the exchange visits.

The question-and-answer session addressed queries about joining the NUPP ,“Common elements in National Urban Policies include stakeholder engagement, capacity development, and knowledge exchange to improve quality of life in cities and communities.” Mr. Remy Sietchiping, Chief of Policy, Legislation, and Governance Section at UN-Habitat stated in his closing remarks, he further expressed gratitude to all participants and emphasized the need for engaging stakeholders, knowledge exchange, and implementing demonstration projects.

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