UN Habitat, or the United Nations Human Settlements Programme, is the United Nations programme dedicated to promoting sustainable urban development and adequate shelter for all. The programme was established in 1978 and is headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya.
UN Habitat works to promote sustainable urbanization through various activities and initiatives, including providing technical assistance and advice to governments and local communities, conducting research and analysis on urban issues, and promoting policy development and implementation at the local, national, and global levels.
Some of the key areas of focus for UN Habitat include:
- Promoting inclusive and sustainable urban development, with a focus on reducing poverty and improving living conditions in cities and towns
- Supporting the development of affordable housing and basic services for low-income urban communities
- Strengthening urban governance and planning processes, to ensure that urban development is guided by principles of sustainability, equity, and social inclusion
- Promoting disaster risk reduction and resilience in urban areas, in order to reduce the impact of natural disasters and other crises on urban populations
- Advancing sustainable transport and mobility solutions, to reduce emissions and improve the quality of life in cities.
UN Habitat works with a range of partners, including governments, civil society organizations, the private sector, and academic institutions, to achieve its goals. The programme is guided by the principles of the New Urban Agenda, which was adopted by the United Nations in 2016 as a blueprint for sustainable urban development.