Summary of Plenary Discussions and Outcomes
Second Daily Journal (Draft)
DAY 2 – Tuesday, 22 November 2022
Agenda Item 7 – Normative and operational activities of UN-Habitat
A. UN-Habitat’s contribution, experiences and added value in urban crisis situations
The Executive Director highlighted UN-Habitat’s expertise in urban crisis response and prevention, as captured in subprogramme 4 of the2020-2025 Strategic Plan. This area of work is one of the four priorities for UN-Habitat, in addition to adequate housing, cities and climate change, as well as the localisation of the SDGs. The Executive Director stressed that additional funding would contribute to further mobilisation of capacities in support of response and prevention of urban crises.
The Secretariat provided an overview of UN-Habitat’s added value when responding to urban crises, based on a review of the programme’s work in 26 countries, the prioritization of the work of UN-Habitat on urban crisis prevention and response, as well as potential measures to support stronger engagement.
The Secretariat recalled that the New Urban Agenda (NUA) refers to response and prevention in all dimensions of urban crises, including conflicts, post-conflict, natural disasters, migration and displacement. To achieve the NUA under these dimensions, the programme adopted an approach rooted in the coordination of multi-level governance, area-based and cross-sectoral engagement, inclusion of all relevant stakeholders under participatory processes, and enhancement of coordinated action between humanitarian-development-peace actors.
From an analysis based on the list of 26 countries established by the Executive Board in its first session of 2022, where crisis and post-crisis interventions were conducted, the Secretariat concluded that climate change, instability and conflict, migration and displacement, pandemics and other converging factors remain the main drivers of urban crisis, creating a new operational context.
UN-Habitat's interventions focus on early humanitarian response, paving the way to development solutions in key areas of expertise, tailored approaches in crisis/conflict affected contexts, climate change adaption and mitigation, and urban displacement management, while ensuring the sustainability of the interventions through systematic capacity building of the communities, sub-national governments and national governments.
UN-Habitat’s portfolio includes operations in the field, as well as the production of normative tools as reflected in the example of Syria, where UN-Habitat developed an urban recovery framework based on its experience supporting the cities affected by the war.
UN-Habitat continues to engage in different contexts, including countries newly affected by conflicts, such as Ukraine. UN-Habitat adopted a consultative approach to set up a programmatic framework, a resultant from discussions at WUF11 in Poland, engagement with several partners remotely and in Ukraine, as well as internal discussions.
The Secretariat underscored the importance of partnerships to succeed in its efforts, and highlighted the priority areas identified, which are managing displacement, urban profiling/urban recovery frameworks, as well as climate change, and crisis resilience building. The Secretariat also reflected on the lessons learnt from the WUF 11. Global crises converge in cities making it necessary to focus on crisis prevention and response. Science and data need to be widely available for local governments to be better prepared and respond.
The programme recognised the needs to strengthen the analysis of its operational and normative work in support of urban crisis prevention and response, while further building capacities at the headquarter level and fast-tracking soft earmarking to sustain and scale up the interventions.
Upon request from the Executive Board, the Executive Director invited the Governor of Beirut, Hon. Marwan Abboud, to share his experience in collaborating with UN-Habitat for the recovery of the City after the blast in Beirut in 2020. UN-Habitat’s technical expertise was deemed critical to the immediate response on the ground, as well as for the production of technical documents such as city profiles, to support the reconstruction.
The Executive Director also invited the Mayor of Baidoa in Somalia, Hon. Abdullahi Ali Watiin, to share how the collaboration with UN-Habitat supported his local government with durable solutions for the large influxes of internally displaced persons (IDPs) that his City has been facing.
The Chair commended the Executive Director on the two cases presented for their multi-partner approach in Lebanon and Somalia.
Interventions
The representative of Spain commended UN-Habitat for the work it has been carrying out in the areas in Lebanon and Somalia. It stressed its commitment to implementing the SDGs by 2030. The country also stressed the need for partners to actively participate in the implementation of the SDGs.
Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) appreciated the testimonies from Beirut and Baidoa. The representative highlighted that the response being carried out in Ukraine was humanitarian in nature and enquired what efforts were being made towards similar situations in the DRC, which is currently facing active armed conflict resulting in a large number of IDPs across the Country. The DRC requested UN-Habitat to engage in similar work as being done in planning for the City of Baidoa, in Cities in the DRC. It further requested UN-Habitat to offer support with equally to all the 26 countries that are listed as having an active crisis.
USA appreciated the presentations by the local leaders in Lebanon and Somalia and welcomed the new efforts by UN-Habitat in Ukraine and in Pakistan. It also expressed concern that with worsening climate events and conflict, more resources will be needed to reach more regions. USA noted the impression made by the array of normative tools and approaches documented in the reports as a positive sign of crowdsourcing for Member States and demonstrates the collaborative nature of UN-Habitat’s approach.
Pakistan commended the work being done by the programme both on the Flagship Programmes and the urban crisis work. The representative suggested that more balance, attention, and engagement be given to diversify the areas of interventions in response to urban crisis.
Malawi commended the work being done by UN-Habitat in various sectors globally, as well as in Malawi, especially in areas that were affected by the cyclone in South-eastern Africa. The representative highlighted efforts to build nature-based solutions in response to climate change impacts, as well as the efforts made to build capacities in Malawi. He further underlined that it continues to honour its pledge in its voluntary payments.
Ethiopia highlighted the crisis in the northern part of the Country, which has been in armed conflict for the past two years leading to an IDP crisis. The representative called for UN-Habitat's extended support to the rebuilding of hundreds of affected cities in Ethiopia.
Angola aligned itself with the DRC’s comments by acknowledging that it is also sensitive to the displacement of people as it had faced war in the past. He highlighted the mediation work it has done for the DRC in Rwanda. He further raised a question to the Mayor of Baidoa about how security issues affected the urban development in the City.
China expressed sympathy to Indonesia for the earthquake that has greatly affected the Country. The representative thanked UN-Habitat for the work done despite its limited financial and human resources. China highlighted the resources being offered by the Global Development Initiative of China and invited UN-Habitat to make use of these resources to further carry out its mandate.
France acknowledged the presentation made by UN-Habitat on Ukraine and requested for additional details on the scoping mission which took place to there, as well as the main conclusions drawn from it. It enquired on what future action is being considered to continue the UN-habitat’s work in Ukraine.
Germany commended UN-Habitat's support to countries and territories heavily affected by crises such as Ukraine. The representative requested for more clarification on UN-Habitat's role in the reconstruction of Ukrainian Cities, immediate activities that have been carried out and the additional funding requirements for further interventions in Ukraine.
Senegal reiterated its full support for the work done by UN-Habitat in the implementation of the New Urban Agenda and the SDGs. The representative acknowledged that it was difficult for UN-Habitat to continue to discharge its mandate in an effective manner without additional human and financial resources and emphasized the need for the mobilization of predictable financing. The representative suggested UN-Habitat be proactive when it comes to forging innovative partnerships aimed at expanding and diversifying its donors base. He also reported on some of the programmes that are part of their national priority plan known as “Emerging Senegal”.
Ukraine appreciated the efforts being made in the Country to help in the recovery of the ongoing crisis. He highlighted the strong support being given to Ukraine globally. It further mentioned that the mission in Ukraine was interrupted by the ongoing conflict and hoped that a second mission will be deployed as soon as possible.
The State of Palestine appreciated the efforts towards the reconstruction of human settlements in the countries affected by conflicts and disasters and for other efforts of UN-Habitat in the State of Palestine. The representative thanked UN-Habitat’s Regional Office for Arab States and the Country Office in Palestine, as well as the donors contributing to the country programme, for their support in the Country.
Finland commended the organizers for the successful convening of the WUF 11 and aligned with the statement of the European Union. Finland reported that its strategic partnership with UN-Habitat, focusing on the localization of the SDGs which started in the beginning of 2022, has already reached its goals for the first year. The representative also expressed interest in continuing the partnership on Voluntary Local Reviews.
Somalia expressed appreciation for the ongoing work of the programme and requested UN-Habitat take a more active role in the southern part of the Country that is heavily affected by both climate change and other crises.
Switzerland acknowledged it has had a solid, long-lasting partnership with UN-Habitat and highlighted the successful collaborations with UN-Habitat in Egypt, Jordan, and Cameroon. The representative also indicated the challenges faced in the collaboration in Vietnam, possibly due to limited resources and called for a quick resolution of these challenges.
The Russian Federation thanked the Secretariat for the update on financing of its work in countries affected by conflict. The representative requested UN-Habitat to treat all countries affected by conflict all over the globe equally without singling out Ukraine.
Poland acknowledged efficient reconstruction as an important issue, in addition to support for areas that suffered as a result of war or natural disasters. She noted that the subject was widely discussed within the framework of the Urban Crisis Track at WUF 11 in Katowice, reminding stakeholders of the importance of an efficient process for urban reconstruction and supporting the socio-economic welfare of millions living in war torn areas.
B. Implementation of the five flagship programmes
The Executive Director delivered a statement on the progress made in two years after the implementation of the Flagship Programmes. She reminded the Board of their integrative multi-sectoral approach, leading to an enhanced alignment of the normative and operational work of the organisation. The Secretariat showcased progress made in the flagship programmes and the way forward.
The first four Flagship Programmes are deeply anchored in the four subprogrammes of UN-Habitat's Strategic Plan with each being closely linked to specific outcome levels of the Domains of Change. The fifth Flagship Programme is more integrative in nature cutting across all Domains of Change by providing a framework for to achieve SDGs at the local level.
Flagship Programme 1 "Inclusive Vibrant Neighbourhoods and Communities (Urban Regeneration)" is focused on addressing spatial inequality. It offers a wide range of tools through integrative approaches to support capacity building and technical assistance for the formational of multi-level governance strategies for urban regeneration policies. It builds on the close collaboration with the private sector, as well as international funds and investors to develop inclusive business models to promote public–private partnerships. Thus far, the Programme has focused on building data and knowledge on spatial inclusion and climate action in cities, strengthening global and regional networks of partners, and championing regenerative local interventions. Moving forward, the programme will focus on promoting urban regeneration as a super tool for the achievement of the SDGs and the NUA. Its impact and output delivery are projected to increase if soft-earmarked resources are allocated.
Flagship Programme 2 "People-Centred Smart Cities" is dedicated to promoting an approach to smart cities that starts with people and their real challenges and priorities. It is focuses on policy transformation, financing of smart cities, and capacity development. It also offers different approaches that provide guidance on inclusive rights-based digital technologies. Despite limited funding, a series of normative frameworks for adopting the people-centred smart cities approach, strategic partnerships, and the cross-functional team have been put in place. Member States have expressed the need for international guidelines on smart cities which significantly increases the demand for UN-Habitat's expertise. Fulfilling this need will require sustainable and long-term funding sources.
Flagship Programme 3 "RISE UP’ Resilient Settlements for the Urban Poor" addresses one of the greatest challenges in climate adaptation by building resilient settlements for the most vulnerable urban communities. It focuses on the large-scale mobilisation of investments to accelerate pro-poor climate-resilient actions in climate hotpots and informal settlements. Since its launch, its portfolio has grown to USD 89.8 million, generating a footprint in 17 countries. The Programme plans to build on existing experience, tools and methodologies, as it scales up its strategic partnerships – as observed during COP27. It was noted that the reduction of financial resources has limited the ability for local governments to build capacity and secure financing for climate resilience.
Flagship Programme 4 "Inclusive Cities: Enhancing the Positive Impacts of Urban Migration" has become increasingly relevant as the number of people forced into to flee their homes has steadily and dramatically increased over the recent years. This Programme aims to improve available knowledge and promote innovative people-centred solutions for migrants, internally displaced (IDPs) and for host communities. It is built upon multiple partnerships with other agencies, as well as other development partners in the Horn of Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Kenya, and Mozambique. It offers an effective framework for the emerging crisis in Eastern Europe and Ukraine in particular and aims to identify priority geographical areas where there is the greatest need. This provides an opportunity for UN-Habitat to add value to wider efforts of the United Nations, across the humanitarian-development-peace nexus. With more resources, the Programme will reduce the knowledge gap and build capacity in local governments to address these challenges.
Flagship Programme 5 "SDG Cities" enhances the response for accelerated action on local implementation of the SDGs during the Decade of Action. With the ambition to impact 1 billion lives in 1000 cities, it provides a framework based on a four-track sequence: data collection and analysis, strategic planning, the strengthening of local institutions, and the financing high impact projects. It has had a wide uptake globally with both cities and the private sector. It seeks to set up multiple global hubs to increase the reach of the Programme. It is establishing global hubs on city monitoring, city performance, investment and certification. There is a strong demand for SDG Cities and its certification model. However, dedicated secretarial support, implementation and coordination of the programme requires more funding.
Progress of the Flagship Programmes has been uneven due to financial constraints and catalytic support. The increased soft or hard ear-marked funding sources, including from Member States, are imperative for the delivery of the Programmes' basic functions. The current focus is on strengthening partnerships and resource mobilization, especially to fund the normative work. All programmes may seek further convergence for maximum integration between the Flagship Programmes and normative areas, as well as the field operations of UN-Habitat.
Ms. Sarah Tabit, Associate Researcher in the Urban Innovation Policy Lab of Edinburgh Napier University, and Lead for the Global Study on Smart City Governance shared the case study aligned with Flagship Programme 2 on People-Centred Smart Cities. The study conducted an analysis on 250 cities in 90 countries. It focused in understanding the different municipal government approaches across the world, particularly in developing countries. The study offered important findings on policy insights on smart cities, as well as builds on data for further research. The study is pegged on three pillars: strategy, collaborative systems and technology infrastructure. She concluded by emphasizing the critical role of UN entities, donors and academic partners in providing guidance and support to local communities.
Hon. Sefiani Mohamed, Mayor of Chefchaouen, Morrocco and President of the UCLG Forum of Intermediary Cities shared his experience with UN-Habitat's Flagship Programme 5 on SDG Cities. The City prioritizes sustainability at the core of its development plans, ensuring alignment with the decentralized national strategy launched in 2018. He highlighted the benefits of becoming a certified SDG City. Through the Flagship's framework, basic planning processes based on participatory approaches have enabled the City to identify priorities and provided an action plan to support the financing of high impact projects and those accelerating the achievement of the SDGs.
Ms. Rose Molokoane, Coordinator of the South African Federation of the Urban Poor (FEDUP), and Member of the Management Committee of Slum Dwellers International (SDI) shared her experience with UN-Habitat's Flagship Programme 3 on Resilient Settlements for the Urban Poor. The partnership with SDI began in 2000 and has a membership of 20 countries, out of the 32 countries affiliated to the organization. The biggest goal of the partnership has been to involve marginalized slum dwellers to become active participants within decision making spaces and bringing more resources to these communities that would have otherwise been left out. This active participation has created more leverage for communities in mobilizing resources from a point of view of knowledge and on ground experience. SDI seeks continuous partnerships to make further strides in scaling up its current work and commits to keep its close relationship with UN-Habitat. It requested for continued support from Member States.
Interventions
The Republic of Korea aligned itself with the statement made on behalf of the Asia Pacific Group, showing support for the Flagship Programmes, particularly Flagship Programme 2 on smart cities. The Republic of Korea is committed to continue supporting and upscaling efforts of UN-Habitat programmes.
Brazil underscored the importance of a multi-level approach and the importance of considering regional specificities in context in the New Urban Agenda. It noted that the 5th edition of the Urban Circuit took place in Brazil last month with the support of UN-Habitat’s National Office, with a total of 118 events in 68 cities. Brazil requested the Secretariat to elaborate on how the localization of the SDGs impacts the design and implementation of public policies.
Germany commended the ongoing alignment of UN-Habitat’s normative work with the recommendation on the Humanitarian-Development-Peace Nexus. The representative supported the strong engagement of UN-HABITAT in the Inter Agency Standing Committee, where the Organization co-chairs the housing, land and property area of responsibility under the Global Protection Cluster in 2023. Germany enquired about the resources required by the engagement and how UN-HABITAT intends to leverage its participation in the Committee for the benefit of its own activities. The representative requested further information on the efficiency of the SDG Cities Certification initiative.
France requested that human rights be placed at the centre of smart cities and stated that the Country has started to address the topic locally beginning February 2022, introducing an international workshop on the topic in partnership with UN-Habitat. The representative further requested that these efforts be made formal at the highest level. France will propose a resolution on smart cities during the next UN-Habitat Assembly in June 2023 and questioned how the Secretariat linked the Flagship Programs and the UN-Habitat subprogrammes.
Kenya commended UN-Habitat for its efforts, given its current financial limitations. The representative appreciated efforts to build capacity in local leaders in Kenya through relevant data collection tools for the Flagship Programme on SDG cities. She also highlighted several efforts being carried out, such as the Rise Up initiative, urban planning in Turkana and the Go Blue initiative at the Kenyan coast.
Bahrain highlighted UN-Habitat’s work in the region, including planning for housing, infrastructure, open spaces, transport, communications and against climate change. SDG localization will be implemented in Bahrain under Flagship Programme Five and enquired how it can benefit from this initiative, including mobilizing funding from the private sector.
The Executive Board took note of the reports on the progress of normative and operational activities of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme: HSP/EB.2022/17H, HSP/EB.2022/NF/4 and HSP/EB.2022/18.
Agenda Item 8 – Outcomes of the high-level meeting to assess progress in the implementation of the New Urban Agenda
The Executive Director recalled the Outcomes of the High-Level Meeting (HLM) held on 28 April 2022, which stressed the New Urban Agenda as a roadmap to achieve the global goals. She highlighted five substantive areas (housing and basic services, urban climate action and environmental sustainability, multi-level governance and SDG localization, urban crisis recovery, and financing) which reconfirm the relevance of UN-Habitat’s Strategic plan. As a result, and in her opinion, Members of the Habitat Assembly are also well placed to build upon the HLM to accelerate the implementation of the New Urban Agenda, through the development of a set of corresponding global urban policies. She noted that the Meeting resulted in the reinforcement of the United Nations commitment to advance the UN systemwide strategy on sustainable urban development with a focus on country operations.
The Secretariat underscored the following:
- The importance of the collaboration with the Member States in New York and of division of labour in support of UN-Habitat between Nairobi and New York Permanent Missions.
- The process leading to the HLM included the preparation of the Secretary General Report on the New Urban Agenda, which was established as pre-session document, the regional inputs prepared through the Regional Sustainable Development Forum and collaboration with the Regional Commissions.
- In addition, it was recalled how ECOSOC also aligned its work with the HLM of the General Assembly by organizing a meeting on 21 April 2022 to discuss the SG Quadrennial Report on Progress in the Implementation of the New Urban Agenda, and also the fact that a series of events organized by the different constituencies were also organized that same week.
- The preparation process saw a focus on sustainable urban development through the establishment of the PGA Advisory Committee on Sustainable Urban Development by the President of the General Assembly. The Committee included diverse stakeholders, in line with inclusive multilateralism in the spirit of the Our Common Agenda report.
- Following the HLM, discussions further continued at the Word Urban Forum 11 and COP27. In addition, the Group of Friends of UN-Habitat was created to continue to sustain extensive discussions on enhancing the visibility of the work of UN-Habitat, including a request to increase the Regular Budget, under discussion at the 2nd Committee.
- Through the HLM, the NUA was appreciated as a roadmap for acceleration of SDG achievement and connected to major global agendas including the Paris Agreement.
- The HLM discussed five areas of action to accelerate the implementation of the New Urban Agenda namely; housing and basic services, urban climate action and environmental sustainability, multi-level governance and SDG localization, urban crisis recovery, and financing. These are consistently present across the UN-Habitat Strategic Plan, the CPR Mid-term review and were endorsed by Executive Board. They also structure the SG Quadrennial Report.
The presentation concluded by highlighting three areas of attention for the upcoming Second Session of the UN-Habitat Assembly:
- the leveraging of complementarity and mutually reinforcing messages and advancing the NUA in collaboration between New York and Nairobi Member States.
- the translation of the GA commitments into global policy and
- the inclusivity of the multilateral processes.
Finally, the process and the HLM created a favourable environment among Member States to consider the request of the Secretary-General to increase the regular budget allocation to UN-Habitat. It also generated political support among several governments to provide Foundation non-earmarked and soft-earmarked contributions to UN-Habitat.
Interventions
USA welcomed efforts to raise the profile of the New Urban Agenda. It highlighted that since there were no resolutions at the HLM, the Chair Summary was the only outcome of meeting, and that the Resolution which mandated the HLM called for a one-day meeting only. The meeting was not seen as a means of implementation and expressed the importance that the Executive Board remains the principal organ to set UN-Habitat’s strategic direction and provide oversight on normative directions.
Nigeria welcomed the focus on the New Urban Agenda and recalled the preparatory work which included a Ministerial Dialogue hosted by Nigeria on April 22, 2022, and submissions by 32 Member States of their national reports, while many more held National Urban Forums. Given the importance of the NUA, Nigeria called for its incorporation in the plans of UN-Habitat and proposes that the Executive Board requests the Executive Director to provide regular updates on the implementation of the NUA, including submission of national reports. The representative further called for the commitment of development partners, and other actors to provide concessional financing for the implementation.
Argentina recalled the participation of the Ministry of Territorial Development and Habitat in the HLM. The Ministry was established recently in a Country that is highly urbanized and shifting focus from social housing to provision of adequate housing. Argentina highlighted the relevance of the HLM as an opportunity to review efforts of all countries, public policies, and programme implementation, as well as future plans. The representative further stated the importance of sustained coordination between New York and Nairobi in support of the New urban Agenda.
The Chair further commented that it was essential to maintain permanent contact between NY and Nairobi and recommended the importance of equal information to be provided to both New York and Nairobi on all aspects of the New Urban Agenda.
France reiterated the Country’s motivation to work on key topics in sustainable development and support to the programme.
Brazil highlighted the role of urban mobility and of the national Sustainable Mobility Policy to respond to sustainable urbanization, support to the housing sector through the updating of the National Housing Plan to ensure sustainability, and the Country’s s commitment to universal basic sanitation by 2023. The representative further highlighted the National Policy for Human Development and the Brazilian Charter on Smart Cities. The representative stressed that despite their huge economic contribution, the potential of cities remains untapped due to the magnitude of the investment gap. This gap is being addressed by the launch of a Green Investment Strategy for regional development, incorporating principles of sustainability in infrastructure investments. The Country further supported the strengthening of UN-Habitat and the provision of adequate levels of aid to urban development and reiterated the importance of the link between New York and Nairobi in working together towards the benefit of UN-Habitat.
Kenya emphasized the role of the NUA to the attainment of the SDGs. The representative commended the success of the HLM by recalling Kenya’s ministerial level participation and highlighted the commitment to provide adequate housing, basic services and urban planning. The representative further thanked the Secretariat for its efforts and Nigeria for hosting the Africa Group Ministerial Meeting on the sidelines of the HLM. Kenya appreciated the Country’s engagement in the Advisory Committee established by the President of the General Assembly in New York and emphasized the importance of the Nairobi and New York Missions working closely to support the strengthening of UN-Habitat. She stressed the importance of making the NUA accessible and to identify resources, through development partners and multilateral banks for concessional support.
Agenda Item 9 – Outcomes of the eleventh session of the World Urban Forum
The Executive Director provided an update on the outcome of the eleventh session of the World Urban Forum (WUF11), highlighting the participation of 158 countries and the high inclusivity for persons with disability. She underlined the Katowice Declared Actions as a key outcome of WUF11.
The Secretariat presented the results of the eleventh session of the WUF, a key coordination, advocacy partnership, and knowledge platform on sustainable urbanization. It was recalled that the theme of WUF 11, ‘Transforming Our Cities for a Better Urban Future’ was aligned with the World Cities Report 2022 on ‘Envisaging the Future of Cities’.
The Forum provided six dialogue spaces exploring the different dimensions of transformation. In addition, an “extraordinary dialogue” was established in relation to urban crisis recovery and reconstruction to strengthen UN-Habitat’s Domain of Change 4. The Urban Crisis track was also included in the WUF11 programme in response to recent crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, climate disasters and emerging conflicts.
A total of 17,003 participants attended WUF11, with over 10,000 participants from 155 countries attending in person. Female representation was higher than in the previous edition, for both participants and speakers. WUF11 attracted high-level representation, including the Prime Minister of Poland, the Prime Minister of Guinea-Bissau, the President of ECOSOC and the President of the UN-Habitat Assembly. In addition, 20 ministers, 22 vice-ministers and more than 60 mayors and governors attended the forum in person. Particular attention was given to accessibility and inclusivity.
The Secretariat also highlighted the success regarding media attendance and outreach. In terms of outcomes, participants declared their voluntary actions and commitments in the Katowice Declared Actions, which will carry the sustainable development agenda forward to the next World Urban Forum in Cairo, Egypt in January 2024. The Secretariat indicated that the WUF13 Expression of Interest has been extended to 1 December 2022. It was also noted that the World Urban Forum provides a framework for regional mobilization through National and Regional Urban Forums.
Hon. Małgorzata Jarosińska-Jedynak, Secretary of State, Ministry of Development Funds and Regional Policy of Poland shared the Host Country’s experience. She provided key figures in terms of sessions, events and attendance and highlighted the focus on accessibility during the organization of the forum. She highlighted the environment friendly solutions put in place for the Forum. In addition, she presented the work done by the Youth Council and Business Council. She provided further details on the Urban Crisis track and the European track, before providing information on the Urban Expo and the 11 Urban Zones created within Katowice. Finally, the Secretary of State underlined Poland’s contribution to the WUF11 legacy, including an action plan for cities, accessibility solutions for international events and amplifying the voice of the youth. She thanked UN-Habitat and all partners for making WUF11 such a successful event.
Interventions
Russia thanked the Secretariat for the report on the outcome of WUF11 and expressed concerns as the Russian delegation was not able to attend the Forum due to visa restrictions and recommended that Secretariat take note of this issue and to select host countries that will allow participation from all delegations.
USA commended UN-Habitat for its commitment to organize WUF11 despite several challenges. USA expressed its support to the Women’s Caucus and recommended it be included in future forums. It noted the need to implement concrete actions, in addition to declarations. USA enquired how the Secretariat was planning to pursue its work on affordable housing given capacity constraints. The Secretariat was encouraged to allow virtual attendance for all sessions of WUF12.
Nigeria appreciated the inclusivity demonstrated during the Forum. It noted that the discussions held during WUF11 highlighted the challenges of inequality and homelessness in cities. It further noted that many African delegations faced challenges with visas to enter Poland, which limited in-person participation at WUF11.
Brazil underlined that the implementation plan of its National Urban Policy was shared during the WUF11. The representative recommended future ministerial roundtables be extended, given the great interest from many delegations. Finally, Brazil underscored that it is ready to work with other countries on the issue of urban development.
Mexico highlighted that the Forum was a great opportunity to exchange good practices. It also noted the success in terms of participation and gender parity. Mexico announced that the City of Queretaro had submitted an expression of interest to host WUF13.
Kenya thanked the Government of Poland for hosting the WUF11 and noted that the Forum presented an opportunity for Member states to interact with various stakeholders in the pursuit of sustainable urban development. Kenya welcomed the role of the WUF Alumni Network and commended the success of the Ministerial roundtable.
Argentina thanked the Government of Poland and the City of Katowice for organizing the WUF11, and congratulated Egypt for winning the bid to host WUF 12. He underlined the importance in generating services, infrastructure, job creation in addition to developing housing for sustainable urban development.
Ukraine expressed its appreciation to the Government of Poland and congratulated UN-Habitat for one of the most successful editions of WUF.
Statements by Stakeholders
The Advisory Group on Gender Issues (AGGI) highlighted that women living in informal settlements and in displacement situation are facing great challenges. Women are disproportionally affected by poverty and all types of crises, but they are partners and leaders in the creation of sustainable cities. AGGI reaffirmed its commitment to position gender equality and women’s empowerment in the implementation of UN-Habitat’s activities and programmes. At WUF11, a Manifesto for Peace was adopted on the specific needs of women in war and conflicts. AGGI stressed the need for financial resources to carry out programmes addressing women’s needs.
The Huairou Commission appreciated the continued work of UN-Habitat in implementing the New Urban Agenda and organizing global events. The Commission aligned itself with the five substantive areas identified during the High-Level Meeting on the Implementation of the New Urban Agenda held in April 2022, namely housing, climate and environment, urban crisis, urban prosperity and finance, localization. It was underscored that local-led initiatives are grounded in the work of self-help and grassroots groups, whom should be recognized for their role as change agents in localizing the New Urban Agenda. In addition, it called for investing in the empowerment of women and their public leadership, as well as in gender-responsive urban policies. It acknowledged the role of the World Urban Campaign and supported the participation of local and non-state actors in intergovernmental processes.
Both AGGI and Huairou Commissions underlined the importance to implement the Resolution 1/4, “Achieving gender equality through the work of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme to support inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable cities and human settlements” adopted in the first UN-Habitat Assembly in May 2019.
Credits: UN-Habitat