Achieving SDGs in times of global crises

The second session of the United Nations Habitat Assembly is approaching fast. Don’t miss your chance to join this major event in the global development calendar. The Assembly will be held from 5 to 9 June 2023 at UN-Habitat’s headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya.

Online registration for individuals closes on 25 May, while the deadline for booking an Urban Expo space is on 15 May. A link to all types of registration is available here. 

As the governance body of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), the Assembly convenes every four years. It is the highest global decision-making body on sustainable urbanization and human settlements.

The 193 UN Member States cast the votes, while participants include non-Member States, other UN bodies and specialized agencies, as well as intergovernmental organizations, civil society, private sector, academia and research institutions, women, youth and children, and grassroots organizations.

Four years after the inaugural session, the theme of this conference is: “A sustainable urban future through inclusive and effective multilateralism: achieving the Sustainable Development Goals in times of global crises”.

Thematic debates and discussions during the Assembly will focus on the following topics:

Affordable housing: Member States are encouraged to explore mechanisms to achieve the universal right to adequate housing and move towards removing existing barriers to affordable housing.

Climate action in urban areas: to achieve the global commitment to stay within 1.5˚C limit on rising temperatures by 2030, Member States are encouraged to explore realistic urban pathways for climate action.

Urban crises recovery: current crises are increasingly more urban, with cities very often serving as the main places of arrival for displaced people. Member States are encouraged to empower cities to respond to urban crises and support national recovery efforts.

The Assembly will also look at local actions needed to advance the implementation of SDGs to meet the 2030 Development Agenda targets. Member States will also be invited to explore financial mechanisms to ensure resources are directed towards urban development and reach local levels.

Another area for consideration will be related to digital technology and governance in cities – data and knowledge management, AI and digital approaches to city governance deserve close consideration. Multilateral digital cooperation is crucial to ensure that the digital transformation of cities contributes to sustainable and inclusive urbanization.