Leveraging Partnerships: UN-Habitat and Shanghai University to Collaborate on Urban-Rural Revitalization
Nairobi, Kenya 12th April 2024
UN-Habitat recognizes and harnesses the synergistic opportunities and benefits that arise from expanding its partnerships globally. This is done through establishing and strengthening strategic relationships with a diverse range of partners at national, regional, and international level, including political actors, civil society, professional organizations, the private sector, and academia to work towards a better urban future for everyone.
In this context, on Friday, April 12, 2024, UN-Habitat hosted a delegation from Shanghai University to discuss and solidify an upcoming partnership that integrates research and practice. The visit began with a knowledge exchange session, whereby UN-Habitat presented its mandate, global presence, and focus, narrowing down to the expected accomplishments of the planned collaboration with the University. On its part, Shanghai University presented an overview of the university, including the recently launched center for “urban regeneration and sustainability“. Also shared were the planned outcomes from the collaboration with UN-Habitat. The session culminated in recognition of the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two entities.
The key next steps that were discussed include the forthcoming conceptualization and launch of the training center for urban and rural revitalization at Shanghai University, with the support of UN-Habitat. In addition, the two parties will sign a contribution agreement with a workplan to be accomplished over the next three years. The contribution agreement will cover knowledge, capacity development and expanded advocacy and awareness on urban and rural revitalization.
Following the visit to UN-Habitat headquarters, UN-Habitat facilitated consultations between Shanghai University and the University of Nairobi (UoN). Led by the university of Nairobi leadership, the consultations marked the first point of engagement between the two universities, with subsequent sessions looking to follow. The session was an opportunity for UoN to present an overview of the University, as more specifically, the recently launched Center for Urban-Rural Linkages in Africa (CURLA).
The University also took the opportunity to propose various areas of collaboration, including CURLA, joint research on urban development topics, exchange visits and studies, and joint outreach and awareness platforms such as conferences. The Shanghai University delegation expressed keen interest in collaborating with UoN on the above mentioned areas.
From this visit by Shanghai University, it was clear that partnerships – a holistic broad-based approach – offer mutual benefits and are more likely to succeed compared to individual efforts.
The new partnerships established between UN-Habitat and Shanghai University, as well as the anticipated partnership between Shanghai University and the University of Nairobi, are expected to create opportunities for collaboration and synergy among the involved parties.
The Sustainable Development Goals can only be realized with a strong commitment to global partnership and cooperation to ensure no one is left behind in our journey towards sustainable development.
