In response to the growing challenges of migration and displacement in urban areas, this publication presents principles for improving urban planning and public space development. Intended to illustrate best practices and guide practitioners, policymakers, and local authorities, these principles are supported by recommendations and examples from across UN-Habitat’s recent operational experience.

The paper ‘Urban Regeneration for Localizing the Sustainable Development Goals’ focuses on demonstrating how urban regeneration can drive progress across at least 15 SDGs and advance 45 targets. It includes four case studies from different regions to illustrate the impacts and lessons learnt.

In a world grappling with crises, cities emerge as pivotal agents of change. UN-Habitat’s 2023 report underscores the urgent need for urban transformation to tackle issues ranging from climate change to inequality, while emphasizing the pivotal role of cities in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

The 2023 Global Public Space Programme Annual Report showcases impact stories and best practices implemented in 2023 by UN-Habitat and its partners on public space initiatives. This year the report reflects on projects not only from the Global Public Space Programme but also led by our Regional and Country Offices. The intention is to share an agency-wide unified report to underscore UN-Habitat's commitment to collaboration and integrated action.

The use of the public space methodology will enhance the sustainability, replicability and scaling-up of the achievements of UN-Habitat’s interventions under the HAYA Joint: Eliminating Violence Against Women in the West Bank and Gaza Strip funded by the government of Canada. The Public Space Assessment, Design and Management Methodology is a comprehensive guide for local governments and illustrates the process of developing safe and inclusive public spaces for all. The methodology covers city-…

This collection showcases Nature-based Solutions tailored for the unique challenges posed by seasonal rivers within contexts of protracted displacement, particularly within the arid and semi-arid landscapes of East Africa. Drawing on traditional practices, it champions resilience by advocating for spatial planning and design strategies to foster sustainable land and resource management with parallel avenues for economic development and livelihood enhancement.

This publication starts with a description of the country’s overall natural hazard exposure and then focuses on human settlements’ vulnerability in Mozambique (Chapter 1). In Chapter 2 it describes the first milestone of UN-Habitat’s activities - the establishment of the Living with Natural Hazards approach - and its implementation through pilot demonstration buildings. It also gives examples of the construction interventions and methodology adopted in the Participation, Awareness and Didactic…

UN-Habitat and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) have developed this Guidance on Child-Responsive Urban Policies, Laws and Standards to support governments at all levels to create urban spaces where children can access basic services, clean air and water; where children feel safe to play, learn and grow, which includes ensuring their voices are heard and their needs are integrated into public policies and decision-making processes. The guidance highlights the important role that…