UN-Habitat, also known as the United Nations Human Settlements Programme, is an agency of the United Nations that focuses on sustainable urban development and adequate shelter for all. The term "un habitat" refers to this specialized agency and its activities.
UN-Habitat aims to promote socially and environmentally sustainable cities and towns, ensuring that all individuals have access to decent housing and basic services. It provides technical expertise, policy guidance, and support to governments, local authorities, and other stakeholders involved in urban development. The agency works towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goal 11, which focuses on making cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
The activities of UN-Habitat include advocating for the adoption of policies that enhance urban governance and planning, improving access to housing finance for the urban poor, promoting slum upgrading initiatives, and addressing the challenges of rapid urbanization. The agency also conducts research, provides capacity-building programs, and facilitates partnerships to address urban issues at the global, regional, and national levels.
Furthermore, UN-Habitat assists in the formulation of urban development strategies, promotes knowledge sharing and networking among urban stakeholders, and supports the implementation and monitoring of international agreements related to sustainable urban development. Overall, UN-Habitat plays a crucial role in shaping urban policies and practices worldwide, with the ultimate goal of creating inclusive, resilient, and sustainable cities and human settlements.
