UN-Habitat is a prgoramme by United Nations that has developed a unique position on supporting urban development and is working towards a better urban future with an aim to promote socially and environmentally sustainable human settlements development and the achievement of adequate shelter for all.
UN-Habitat has been working in human settlements throughout the world, focusing on building a brighter future for villages, towns, and cities of all sizes. Because of these four decades of extensive experience, from the highest levels of policy to a range of specific technical issues, UN-Habitat has gained a unique and a universally acknowledged expertise in all things urban.
Projects and Geographic Reach
UN-Habitat is currently active in over 70 countries around the world. It has a wide range of diverse projects, such as:
- post-disaster reconstruction programmes in Haiti,
- addressing slum growth and housing problems in the Democratic Republic of the Congo,
- supporting the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States to develop land policy guidelines
Urban Themes
- Legislation
- Mobility
- Housing and slum upgrading
- Safety
- Climate Change
- Gender
- Planning and Design
- Economy
- Reconstruction
- Resilience
- Human Rights
- Water and Sanitation
- Youth
- Energy
Focus Areas
The UN-Habitat’s priorities are focused on seven areas
- Urban Legislation, Land and Governance
- Urban Planning and Design
- Urban Economy
- Urban Basic Services
- Housing and Slum Upgrading
- Risk Reduction and Rehabilitation
- Urban Research and Capacity Development
Funding Sources
- Most of UN-Habitat’s funding comes from voluntary contributions from governmental and intergovernmental donors, while the UN General Assembly provides part of the regular budget.
- Other UN bodies, local authorities, the private sector, and multilateral organizations provide funds for specific projects (termed “earmarked” or “non-core activities”)
For more information, please visit UN-Habitat.
