Rapid demographic growth and urban expansion are transforming intermediary cities in Kenya and Mozambique. However, limited governance and planning capacity – along with scarce financial resources – are driving these cities towards car-dependent systems, which lock in carbon emissions, reduce accessibility and undermine quality of life. Without timely intervention, current choices risk embedding high emissions and social inequalities for decades to come.

Building on the OECD…

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…

The Global Assessment of Responsible AI in Cities offers a comprehensive overview of how artificial intelligence is transforming urban environments worldwide. Drawing from a global survey, 70+ case studies, and expert consultations, the report uncovers the benefits and risks of rapidly expanding AI adoption in cities. It highlights how AI is improving mobility, public services, safety, and planning, while also exposing critical challenges—from data privacy and high implementation costs to…

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…

UN-Habitat, as part of the Institutional Strengthening and Capacity Building (ISCB) project in Viet Nam funded by the Government of Switzerland through the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) as well as in collaboration with the Urban Development Agency under the Ministry of Construction, conducted a rapid assessment of Vietnam’s legal framework for urban development. The legislative analysis focussed on planning, housing, land, and local governance which identified key gaps, overlaps…

WUF12 Perspectives is a new UN-Habitat analysis capturing the views of participants from the World Urban Forum 12 held in Cairo in 2024, focused on localization. It highlights three dimensions—implementation, representation, and translation—and identifies nine key elements to guide stakeholders in embedding localization into sustainable urban development and advancing global SDG localization efforts.

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…

Cities face tremendous challenges, demanding advanced and effective urban governance measures and tools. Digital solutions offer transformative potential through resources optimization, services enhancement, and inclusivity development. The Future Cities Advisory Outlook 2024 draws a clear technological landscape and implementation roadmap; collects 10 innovative practices from Chinese cities and enterprises; and launches Global Digital Urban Governance Initiatives. By embracing tech-driven…

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,…