The Journey Towards Sustainable Urban Transformation
April 2023 | Sangmélima, Cameroon
Sangmélima’s abundant natural, geostrategic, economic, and cultural assets position it as a potential sustainable urban development model for other cities in Cameroon and in the region. However, the negative impacts of uncontrolled urbanization had begun to cast its shadow upon the city, but these challenges could be addressed with UN-Habitat’s technical support. Led by the Mayor, Jean Faustin Bekono, Sangmélima embarked on an extraordinary journey towards sustainable urban transformation.
In April 2023, a delegation from UN-Habitat, headed by Dr. Remy Sietchiping, Chief of Policy, Legislation and Governance Section embarked on a technical mission to Sangmélima. The objectives of the visit were to exchange knowledge, take stock of ongoing projects, and establish a collaborative framework for urban planning and development in Sangmélima. The visit, coupled with the recent inauguration of the National Office of UN-Habitat in Yaoundé, was a testament to the growing portfolio of assistance that UN-Habitat has been providing to Cameroonian cities. Mayor Bekono expressed his gratitude for UN-Habitat’s growing support in Cameroon and their dedication to finding innovative urban solutions that could address the demographic, environmental, and socio-economic challenges faced by Sangmélima and other urban areas.
The Sangmelima team, led by the mayor, presented strategic programmes and projects that focused on the promotion of decent housing, urban tourism, and environmental protection.
Acknowledging the noteworthy city’s vision and the community’s drive, UN-Habitat expressed commitment to establishing a long-term partnership marked by concrete collaborative actions to propel Sangmélima towards sustainable urban development.
As the visit concluded, the parties established a dedicated follow-up working group to ensure the partnership’s success.
Together, UN-Habitat and the municipality of Sangmélima are weaving a narrative of resilience, innovation, and inclusivity – a story that will be etched into the history of urban development, empowering generations to come.
