The Strategic Plan 2020-2023 is repositioning UN-Habitat as a major global entity, a centre of excellence and innovation. In this respect, the Organization is refocusing its niche as the thought leader and go-to agency that sets the global discourse and agenda on sustainable urban development.

The strategic plan 2020-2023 was extended for another two years to 2025. The extension was approved by the United Nations Habitat Assembly of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme Second session, Nairobi, 5–9 June 2023, via Decision 2/1: Extension of the strategic plan for the period 2020–2023 until the year 2025. 

Read the full document
Read the Full document in French
Read the Full document in Spanish
Strategic Plan Overview

Reduced spatial inequality and poverty in communities across the urban-rural continuum

Outcomes
  • Increased and equal access to basic services, sustainable mobility and public space
  • Increased and secure access to land, and adequate and affordable housing
  • Effective settlements growth and regeneration
+ Learn more

Enhanced shared prosperity for cities and regions

Outcomes
  • Improved spatial connectivity and productivity of cities and regions
  • Increased and equitably distributed, locally generated revenues
  • Expanded deployment of frontier technologies and innovations for urban development
+ Learn more

Strengthened climate action and improved urban environment

Outcomes
  • Reduced greenhouse emissions and improved air quality
  • Improved resource efficiency and protection of ecological assets
  • Effective adaptation of communities and infrastructure to climate change
+ Learn more

Effective urban crises prevention and response

Outcomes
  • Enhanced social integration and inclusive communities
  • Improved living standards and inclusion of migrants, refugees, internally displaced persons and returnees through effective crisis response and recovery
  • Enhanced resilience of the built environment and infrastructure
+ Learn more
Social inclusion
The Strategic Plan 2020-2023 approaches social inclusion dimension as one of the organizational priorities that must underpin all areas of work that UN-Habitat carries out
Cross-cutting themes

Resilience

UN-Habitat understands urban resilience as the measurable ability of any urban system, with its inhabitants, to maintain continuity through all shocks and stresses. Resilience throughout its programmes and projects, resilience is considered in the Strategic Plan as an important transversal issue that connects UN-Habitat’s work with partners.

Safety

Safety is of key relevance in the 2030 Agenda, which aims for “a world free of fear and violence” “where human habitats are safe” with a number of SDG 11 targets making specific reference to safety. The Strategic Plan recognizes the relevance of safety in ensuring overall improved urban living conditions, social inclusion, inequality reduction, and eliminating social and territorial exclusion patterns.