In the light of the analytical work and the exchanges carried out during the first part of the UPIMC programme in Damietta Governorate, this report developed a strategic vision based on an urban strategy developed in full engagement of all stakeholders. This report, which is the output of the second component, draws on the spatial profile that has been created to generate a common strategic vision and scenario and to provide an action plan for accomplishing it by identifying priority…

As the world continues to urbanize, cities face greater challenges in responding to humanitarian crises and achieving sustainable post-conflict development that upholds everyone’s right to adequate housing. The impacts of conflict are increasingly being experienced in urban areas around the world – as seen in modern crises such as those in Ukraine, the Gaza Strip, Yemen and Syria – putting the housing, land and property (HLP) rights of civilians at risk. HLP issues arise in conflict contexts,…

This paper explores the potential of public spaces to foster healthier cities, with a specific focus on the role of urban planners and local governments. It introduces the topic by examining global agendas that highlight the interconnectedness of public spaces and health, emphasizing the synergies between them. The paper outlines seven strategies proposed by UN-Habitat for enhancing health outcomes through public spaces and concludes with five actionable recommendations to effectively implement…

This UN-Habitat publication presents best practice case studies and regional guidelines for housing rehabilitation in historic settlements across the Arab region. Developed with UNESCO and the Islamic Development Bank, it highlights inclusive, sustainable, and resilient approaches to preserve heritage while strengthening communities.

Many development practitioners have, until recently, viewed urban and rural areas as two mutually exclusive territories. However, this does not reflect the realities of the spatial and sectoral linkages between urban and rural areas. The two territories are two ends of a continuum of human settlements which are spatially and functionally interconnected and interdependent through physical, social, economic and environmental linkages that are continuously changing in time and space. During the…

Globally, urbanization has increased significantly, with the world’s urban population expected to reach 68.5% by 2045. Although urbanization brings economic opportunities and improved living conditions, if not well managed, it can also present urban and social challenges such as slums, poverty, and environmental degradation. While many countries around the world have formulated National Urban Policy (NUP) to manage their urbanization, associated implementation challenges such as institutional…