For more than 40 years, UN-Habitat has been leading the way in building partnerships, sharing knowledge and transforming lives through sustainable urbanization. Mandated by the UN General Assembly in 1978 to promote socially and environmentally sustainable human settlements, and to develop and achieve adequate shelter for all, UN-Habitat envisions well-planned, well-governed, resilient and efficient cities and human settlements, with adequate housing, infrastructure, and universal access to employment and basic services. Its programmes and projects are designed to help policy-makers and local communities get to grips with human settlements and urban issues to achieve sustainable urban development to all.