Investment in innovation and infrastructure are key to making cities safe, resilient, inclusive and sustainable. Half the world's population now live in cities, and this is projected to increase to two-thirds by 2050.
Cities can solve many of the challenges our world faces. Innovation is a crucial driver of economic growth, social development and environmental change. As a centre of excellence and innovation, UN-Habitat supports countries and cities in taking advantage of the opportunities urbanization offers to finding lasting solutions to both economic and environmental challenges, such as providing housing, new jobs and promoting energy efficiency.
"Understanding global mega-trends is crucial. We live in times of multiple, evolving and mutually-reinforcing shifts. These dynamics, of geopolitical, demographic, climatic, technological, social and economic nature, enhance threats and opportunities on an unprecedented scale."
António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations
Partnerships for innovation
UN-Habitat shares the vision to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable. Increasing international cooperation is vital to achieving this. As a centre of excellence and innovation, UN-Habitat supports countries and cities in taking advantage of the opportunities urbanization offers. Investment in innovative and scalable urban solutions can address many of the challenges our cities face.
UN-Habitat partners with a range of organizations, such as governments, NGO's, businesses and other UN agencies, to implement projects that provide achievable, customizable and scalable solutions to the toughest urbanization problems. UN-Habitat works to ensure cities become inclusive and affordable drivers of economic growth, social development and environmental change.