5th–9th June 2023 | Nairobi, Kenya
“There is still time to achieve the SDGs and reverse global crises.” This was one of the messages that resonated with many during the second United Nations Habitat Assembly (5 to 9 June 2023, Nairobi, Kenya). Against a backdrop of global crises with adverse effects on cities and communities, the Assembly opened with a call for sustainable urban development and effective multilateralism to create more livable, sustainable, and resilient cities.
Click here to access the high-level thematic debates and discussion
- Universal access to affordable housing: exploring mechanisms to achieve the universal right to adequate housing and move towards removing existing barriers to affordable housing
- Urban climate action: exploring realistic urban pathways to achieving the global commitment to stay within 1.5˚C limit on rising temperatures by 2030
- Urban crises recovery: discussing how to empower cities to respond to urban crises and support national recovery efforts
- Localization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): examining local actions needed to advance the implementation of SDGs and targets contained in the 2030 Agenda
- Prosperity and local finance: exploring policies and market mechanisms to ensure financial flows directed towards urban development and reach local levels
Not only was the Assembly a platform for Member States to review and adopt Resolutions, Decisions and Declarations toward achieving sustainable urban development, but was also a convention for a myriad of stakeholders to engage in thematic side events, bilateral meetings, informal sessions, and other forms of convergence on sustainable urban development issues.
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side events
Several partners collaborated with PLGS and held 5 side events, multiple bilateral consultations and informal sessions covering the thematic areas of policy, legislation and governance, metropolitan management, and urban-rural linkages
MULTILATERAL GOVERNANCE THROUGH KOREA NATIONAL URBAN POLICY PROGRAMME IN 8 COUNTRIES: TRANSFORMING LIFE FROM PHASE1 TO PHASE 2
5th June, 2023
- The event provided an opportunity for discussions on multilateral collaboration and resource mobilization to advance national urban policies (NUP).
- Ministerial representatives from various countries shared their perspectives on the NUP and its impact, emphasizing the importance of urban policies in building sustainable and resilient cities.
- Korean experts highlighted the challenges faced during Phase 1 of the programme, the collaborative response, and successful demonstration projects.
- The event concluded with a call for stakeholder engagement, knowledge exchange, and the implementation of demonstration projects to improve the quality of life in cities and communities
RECOVERING TERRITORIAL BALANCE BY STRENGTHENING URBAN-RURAL LINKAGES
7th June, 2023
- The side event was organized to emphasize the importance of urban-rural linkages for sustainable development, involving representatives from various UN agencies and stakeholders.
- Panel discussions highlighted the complexities of urbanization and its impact on both urban and rural areas, emphasizing the need for careful planning, innovation, and inclusive approaches.
- The event concluded with a call to action, urging participants to engage in upcoming summits, advocate for multi-stakeholder partnerships, and integrate urban-rural linkages into sustainable development efforts.
- The discussions showcased the growing recognition of the need to foster resilience, ensure equitable access to services, and preserve ecosystems in both urban and rural areas
AFRICAN MINISTERIAL SESSION ON NATIONAL URBAN POLICY
8th June, 2023
- The session on urban policies in Africa provided a platform for African ministers and high-level representatives to share experiences and discuss the significance of National Urban Policies (NUPs).
- NUPs were highlighted as crucial in promoting equitable urban development, unlocking financing opportunities, enhancing local economic growth, and ensuring a high quality of life while protecting the environment.
- Country representatives shared their experiences and challenges in NUP development, emphasizing the need for support in areas such as capacity building, climate change adaptation, and infrastructure development.
- Although progress has been made in NUP development, implementation still needs improvement.
- The session concluded with a call for continued multi-level approaches to NUP, collaboration and engagement, knowledge exchange, and support from UN-Habitat and development partners in advancing NUPs and achieving sustainable urban development in Africa.
CITIES ENGAGED IN FOOD SYSTEM TRANSFORMATION: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES
8th June, 2023
- The side event during the UN Habitat Assembly highlighted the importance of urban-rural linkages and collaboration in addressing food system challenges.
- Cities were recognized as playing a crucial role in shaping food demand, disseminating knowledge, and influencing sustainable choices while multilevel governance mechanisms and inclusive urban planning processes were deemed essential for resilient food systems.
- Concerns were raised about food safety, farmer-institution contracts, and the need for storage facilities.
- Collaboration, fiscal decentralization, and attitude change towards food were identified as key factors to transform food systems and strengthen urban-rural linkages.
- Strategies proposed included mapping food retail centers, promoting market organizations, and implementing climate-smart agriculture techniques.
- The active participation and empowerment of youth in decision-making processes was also emphasized through capacity building and inclusive platforms.
EMPOWERING CITIES FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE: UN-HABITAT AND THE KONRAD ADENAEUR STIFTUNG REGIONAL PROGRAMME ENERGY SECURITY AND CLIMATE CHANGE (KAS) SYMPOSIUM ON CLIMATE SMART URBAN PLANNING LAW
10th June, 2023
- The symposium was organized to raise awareness about the importance of urban law in addressing climate change effects and promoting sustainable urbanization.
- Representatives from Malawi, Namibia, and Zimbabwe shared their experiences and ongoing legal reform processes, highlighting the effectiveness of the Urban Law Module in achieving climate-smart and sustainable urban development.
- An e-learning course on law and climate change was discussed, with the goal of equipping stakeholders with the necessary skills and knowledge for low-carbon, green, resilient, and sustainable urban development.
- Participants expressed interest in collaborating with UN-Habitat to support legal reforms through the Urban Law Module.
- The symposium resulted in increased awareness about the significance of effective urban laws and provided stakeholders with new skills and knowledge to support legal reforms.
- With UN-Habitat’s technical support, more countries can adopt effective urban laws to address climate change challenges and create sustainable and resilient cities for future generations.
- Key Milestone
Signing Ceremony between UN-Habitat ED and Commonwealth Associations on Urban Law Initiative
SOCIAL MEDIA
"Cities have a footprint that we cannot underestimate for providing services. There’s real need to maintain strong connectivity between urban and rural areas" - @irenefagotto
— UN-Habitat, Policy, Legislation & Governance (@UNHABITAT_PLGS) June 8, 2023
An engaging session: Recovering Territorial Balance by Strengthening #UrbanRuralLinkages#UNHA2 pic.twitter.com/UiEcNTWTNk
