• C40 Cities and UN-Habitat have formed a landmark partnership aimed at transforming urban planning.
  • Objective: To create a new Urban Planning Accelerator that helps cities reduce emissions by 25% by 2050, while promoting safer, fairer, and more inclusive urban environments.
  • Focus: The initiative prioritizes solutions that address climate challenges and create resilient, equitable urban communities.

URBAN PLANNING CHALLENGES

  • Urban Expansion: Urban areas are growing 50% faster than population growth, particularly in climate-vulnerable areas.
  • Forecast: Without intervention, cities could triple in size by 2050, exacerbating emissions, urban sprawl, and inequality (UNCCD, 2017).
  • Need for Action: The partnership focuses on reshaping urban development to address these pressing issues.

KEY OBJECTIVES OF URBAN PLANNING ACCELERATOR

  • Prioritizing Compact Cities: Promoting regenerative urban areas over urban sprawl.
  • Encouraging Mixed-Use, Connected Neighborhoods: Aiming to reduce car dependency and foster vibrant communities.
  • Regulating Climate-Risk Areas: Ensuring sustainable construction and protecting natural ecosystems to guard against extreme weather events.

EXPERT PERSPECTIVES

  • Mark Watts, Executive Director of C40 Cities:
    • Urban planners play a key role in addressing climate challenges.
    • Compact, walkable cities are essential for cutting pollution and creating safer, livable neighborhoods.
    • Collaboration with UN-Habitat empowers cities to act decisively and equitably for all residents.
  • Anacláudia Rossbach, Executive Director of UN-Habitat:
    • Sustainable, resilient, and inclusive cities are essential for both people and the planet.
    • Densification and regeneration of urban areas are critical to preserve ecological functions while addressing the global housing crisis.
    • The collaboration aims to combat informal settlements and slums, which affect 1 billion people globally.

THE URBAN SHIFT FORUM

  • Location: The partnership was announced at the Green & Resilient UrbanShift Africa Forum in Nairobi.
  • Forum Goals: To bring together stakeholders from Africa, including national and local governments, investors, and civil society organizations, to exchange best practices, foster partnerships, and advance climate ambition.
6. Future Developments
  • Announcement of the Accelerator: Further details on the Urban Planning Accelerator will be announced later this year.

ABOUT UN HABITAT

Overview of UN-Habitat
  • Role: UN-Habitat is the focal point within the United Nations for all issues related to urbanization and human settlements.
  • Mandate: The UN General Assembly has mandated UN-Habitat to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities, with the ultimate goal of ensuring adequate shelter for all.
  • Mission: It works in partnership with various organizations to create inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities and communities.
  • Focus: UN-Habitat views urbanization as a positive force that can transform lives, reduce inequality, combat discrimination, and help eradicate poverty.
  • Headquarters Location: The headquarters of UN-Habitat is located in Nairobi, Kenya.

3 TIER GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE OF UN HABITAT

  • UN-Habitat Assembly:
    • Composition: It consists of the 193 member states of the United Nations.
    • Frequency: The Assembly convenes every four years.
    • Role: It serves as a universal body for decision-making within UN-Habitat.
  • Executive Board:
    • Composition: The Board includes 36 member states, which are elected by the UN-Habitat Assembly.
    • Frequency: It meets three times a year.
    • Role: The Executive Board enhances oversight by member states over the operations of UN-Habitat.
  • Committee of Permanent Representatives (CPR):
    • Composition: Made up of permanent representatives from member states.
    • Frequency: The CPR meets twice every four years in an open-ended manner.
    • Role: The CPR ensures coordination and smooth functioning between UN-Habitat and its stakeholders.