| Legislation, Governance and Finance of Public Spaces | 2025 | Public spaces are vital for the dynamic social, environmental and health need functions as part of public life of diverse user groups, as they provide areas for social encounter, civic and political engagement, recreation (including work, play and study), shelter needs and other forms of community engagement. This publication has examined the crucial role that legislation, governance, and financial frameworks play as critical aspects of public space management and development. It has provided a detailed analysis of how the above frameworks influence the creation, management and sustainability of public spaces. This is particularly relevant and useful for many decision-makers and stakeholders since globally, current legislative, governance and financial approaches often fall short of effectively managing public spaces, leading to neglect, deterioration, and ultimately privatization of public space. Thus, by showcasing innovative models to strengthen legal frameworks, improve fiscal resources and enhance governance frameworks, this publication makes a significant contribution to the achievement of SDG 11, especially target 11.7 which aims (by 2030) to deliver universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces particularly for women and children, older persons and persons with disabilities. |
| Shanghai Manual: A Guide for Sustainable Urban Development in the 21st Century - 2025 Annual Report | 2025 | Originally established in 2011 following the 2010 Shanghai World Expo, the Shanghai Manual serves as a practical guide for mayors and urban practitioners advancing sustainable urban development. The Manual has been shaped by the principles of both the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the New Urban Agenda, positioning it as a key resource in the global ambition of achieving sustainable cities. As digitalisation rapidly reshapes urban life across health, education, mobility and employment, cities face growing pressure to harness technology in ways that work for people; anchored by the principles of equity, inclusion and sustainability. The Shanghai Manual 2025 Annual Report addresses this challenge, exploring cutting-edge urban initiatives that leverage data-driven decision-making, technology and artificial intelligence to improve urban life and support cities on sustainable urban development pathways. Featuring the 2025 Shanghai Award winning cities, over 25 case studies and connected policy recommendations spanning the thematic pillars of society, economy, environment, culture, governance and international cooperation, the report serves as a practical knowledge-sharing resource for urban decision-makers worldwide. It also presents a dedicated chapter on people-centred smart cities, outlining the core principles and global policy landscape that collectively guide equitable and human-centred urban digital transformation. The Manual is a collaborative initiative between UN-Habitat, the Bureau International des Expositions, and the Shanghai Municipal People's Government, supported by the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development of the People's Republic of China. |
| Country Case Studies and Comparative Analysis of Planning Laws in Six (6) Countries: Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, South Korea and Spain (Catalonia Region). | 2025 | UN-Habitat has conducted an international benchmarking case study of planning laws in five countries and one sub-national region (Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, South Korea and Catalonia Region, Spain) to assess the impact of planning laws in these contexts on sustainable urban development. This has provided a spectrum of regulatory models and schemes for the spatial planning legal reform agenda in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. These case studies reveal that planning legal frameworks should clearly define planning objectives and principles which is part of sound policymaking to articulate the scope of the planning instrument as well as an opportunity to reflect the local needs and challenges. Additionally, for smooth implementation, planning laws should contain robust fiscal mechanisms to support equitable urban growth and development. Effective spatial planning laws promote coordination between institutions at the national level with those at the regional and local levels for the planning, implementation, approval and oversight of development projects, plans and documents. |
| Stronger women stronger cities: UN-Habitat’s action for change 2020 – 2025 | 2025 | This publication presents a summary of UN-Habitat’s gender equality impact over the past five years, in line with the Beijing reporting cycle. Using examples of UNHabitat’s work across the different regions, from Nepal to Brazil, this document aims to make a clear case of the interconnected and mutually re-enforcing relationship between gender equality, women’s empowerment, and sustainable urban development. |
| Seizing the Urban Opportunity: A 3-step guide for strengthening Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) 3.0 | 2025 | |
| Spatial Inclusion in Cities: Regional Trends Report | 2025 | Global snapshot of spatial inclusion in cities. Using the latest data, this UN-Habitat report distils challenges and solutions across six regions (Africa, Asia–Pacific, Europe, Latin America & the Caribbean, MENA, North America), pairing regional factsheets with urban regeneration case studies to guide inclusive policy and practice. Produced by the Flagship Programme Inclusive Communities, Thriving Cities. |
| تقرير الرؤية وتخطيط المناطق وخطة العمل لمدينة كفر البطيخ - مصر | 2025 | ي ضوء العمل التحليلي والتبادلات التي أجريت خلال الجزء الأول من برنامج UPIMC في محافظة دمياط، وضع هذا التقرير رؤية استراتيجية تستند إلى استراتيجية حضرية تم تطويرها بمشاركة كاملة من جميع أصحاب المصلحة. يعتمد هذا التقرير، الذي يعد نتاجًا للمكون الثاني، على الملف المكاني الذي تم إنشاؤه لتوليد رؤية وسيناريو استراتيجي مشترك وتقديم خطة عمل لإنجازه من خلال تحديد استثمارات البنية التحتية ذات الأولوية التي تسعى إلى تحسين الظروف المعيشية لكل من المجتمعات المحلية واللاجئين. تم وصف هذه الطريقة بالكامل في فصول التقرير. |
| Effective Climate Governance in Intermediary Cities: A Focus on Climate Mitigation | 2025 | As the world races toward a sustainable future, intermediary cities emerge as crucial players in effective climate mitigation. This guide offers practical insights into balancing economic development, environmental stewardship and social equity within these pivotal urban hubs. It delves into strategies such as climate-sensitive budgeting, urban planning and policy incentives that foster green transitions. Designed for urban managers, climate champions and national or regional governments, this guide provides a roadmap for crafting resilient climate actions and navigating climate-smart urbanization. It also serves as a valuable resource for the private sector, academics, civil society and other United Nations agencies aiming to collaborate on or support climate initiatives. Equip yourself with the tools to drive meaningful climate action and lead your city toward a resilient, sustainable future. |
| Multilayered Vulnerability Profile for Debre Birhan City, Ethiopia | 2025 | |
| Quality of Life in Cities: Insights from the Quality of Life Initiative Pilot Phase | 2025 | Quality of Life in Cities: Insights from the Quality of Life Initiative Pilot Phase offers a data-driven, people-centered assessment of urban well-being across nine cities on five continents. By integrating objective indicators with residents’ lived experiences, the report identifies the conditions most closely associated with life satisfaction and highlights priority areas for policy action. The findings aim to support local and national governments in advancing inclusive, evidence-based urban development. |