This document discusses the inclusion of waste pickers in metropolitan waste management systems, highlighting their roles, challenges, and recommendations for effective integration. Several ways to improve waste management in metropolitan areas are described in this publication, starting with the people who work in this sector. Waste pickers contribute to the circular economy by transforming waste into valuable resources and are key allies in the fight against climate change.

Building upon a successful 2023, the 2024 Annual Report of the Policy, Legislation and Governance Section (PLGS) showcases continued progress towards achieving sustainable urban development. Through a range of impactful activities, PLGS strengthened its collaboration with donors, development partners, and beneficiary countries, advancing UN-Habitat work on policy, legislation, governance, metropolitan management, and urban-rural linkages.
This report highlights key achievements,…

The Shanghai Manual 2024 Annual Report showcases globally implemented urban best practices that present urban actors with innovative solutions to help cities navigate the complex challenges that they face today. Following the theme of ‘youth leading climate and local action for cities’, the report explores the potential of young people as urban change makers with a particular regard to climate action and urban environmental sustainability.

This Spatial Profile conducts a comprehensive review of urban areas hosting IDPs, focusing on several sectors. It focuses on the second Subdivision hosting the largest number of IDPs in the city of Douala: Douala 3. Unequal distribution of basic urban services, gaps in public infrastructure, urbanization on areas vulnerable to environmental hazards were identified, mapped and presented. This diagnostic can then be used as a basis for informed decisions regarding short, medium and long-term…

This publication presents findings from a European Union and UN-Habitat commissioned Political Economy Analysis (PEA) on factors that influence policy, government institutions, and local communities in the context of displacement and rapid urbanisation in Burco, Jowhar, and Afgoye.

In response to growing urban migration challenges, the Migration Informed Urban Planning: A 3-Step Guidebook offers practical strategies for integrating migrants displaced persons and host communities promoting equitable urban development. Drawing on experiences from Cameroon, Egypt, and Jordan, it equips urban planners, policymakers, and local governments with tools to create inclusive, resilient cities through sustainable urban planning.

The SDG, Agenda 2063: Africa we want and the New Urban Agenda underscores the need for international cooperation, knowledge sharing, and technology transfer to address the global solid waste challenge. They call for increased investment in waste management infrastructure and capacity building, particularly in developing countries. As representative cities at distinct stages of development, Shanghai, China and Lagos, Nigeria have amassed unique experiences in waste management. These experiences…

As one of the essential public services that supports our society in the 21st century, waste management is a basic human need and a critical infrastructure, especially in urban areas. Waste management is a cross-cutting issue that affects many aspects of society and the economy, closely linked to many other global challenges, including health, climate change, poverty reduction, food and resource security, and sustainable production and consumption. Waste management is a key component of the…

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.