SUMMARY OF PLENARY DISCUSSIONS AND OUTCOMES
DAY 2 – WEDNESDAY, 26 NOVEMBER 2025
On Wednesday, 26 November 2025, the third session of the Executive Board of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) for the year 2025 resumed in Nairobi, Kenya.
Agenda item 6: Implementation of the strategic plan of UN-Habitat
6 (a). Annual report for 2024 on the implementation of the strategic plan for the period 2020–2025 Under this agenda item, UN-Habitat presented its 2024 Annual Report on the implementation of the Strategic Plan 2020-2025. The Executive Director reaffirmed UN-Habitat’s role in supporting Member States to address the global housing challenge and advance sustainable urban development, highlighting outcomes of the 2024 World Urban Forum in Cairo (WUF12) and the inaugural Open-ended Intergovernmental Expert Working Group on Adequate Housing for All. The Organization reported receiving approximately USD 200 million in 2024, largely from donors, enabling improved urban planning for 237 million people; basic services for 205,000 residents; secure land tenure for 98,000 households; national urban policy support in 64 countries; and SDG data initiatives in 27 countries. UN-Habitat noted lessons learned, including the need for a sharper strategic focus, stronger field presence, better data, and increased resourcing. It also underscored the importance of advocacy and partnerships through platforms such as WUF12, Urban October, and the Africa Urban Forum, and through collaboration with UN agencies, the World Bank, humanitarian actors, and initiatives such as SDG Cities and Local2030.
Interventions by Member States
THE NETHERLANDS urged future reports to better link activities to the New Urban Agenda and include more substantive lessons learned to support Member States’ oversight. FRANCE thanked UN-Habitat and emphasized the need to integrate lessons from the 2020–2025 Strategic Plan, highlighting results-based management, partnerships, and strengthened evaluations to demonstrate impact. COLOMBIA welcomed the 2024 Annual Report, noting progress on housing, informal settlements, and climate impacts; emphasized new housing tools, innovative financing, and community participation; reaffirmed housing as a development pillar; and expressed hope for the revitalization of the New Urban Agenda and progress towards housing as a human right. MALAWI commended UN-Habitat for the 2020–2025 Strategic Plan, noting its contributions to urban planning, basic services, land tenure, and climate-resilient infrastructure, and encouraged using these lessons to guide the next plan and support implementation of the New Urban Agenda and the SDGs for scaled and accelerated impact. PERU welcomed the 2024 Annual Report, noting progress in inclusive urban development, and called for stronger local financing, better integration of housing with climate risk management, and expanded South-South cooperation. The Executive Board took note of the Executive Director’s update and report.
6 (b). Update on the structure and division of responsibilities within the organization for the implementation of the Strategic Plan for the period 2026–2029 UN-Habitat indicated that the organizational reforms mandated by decision 2025/1(c) aim to rationalize functions, deepen decentralization and stabilize staffing, informed by consultations with the UN Secretariat and findings from MOPAN and OIOS. It highlighted key governance adjustments, including a new Leadership Management Team, a strengthened Programme Review Committee and a Housing Reference Group. The revised structure comprises five divisions: the Office of the Executive Director (OED), the Global Knowledge and Advocacy Division (GKAD), the Global Solutions Division (GSD), the Regional Programmes Division (RPD) and the Corporate Management Division (CMD). UN-Habitat noted that a major structural change is the relocation of the Human Rights and Social Inclusion Unit to GKAD to streamline and strengthen the mainstreaming of human rights, gender, disability inclusion and youth engagement. GKAD will lead knowledge and advocacy, integrating data, analytics, digital transformation, capacity development, advocacy and communications to reinforce evidence-based decision-making. UN-Habitat indicated that the workforce review proposes 182 posts – an increase of 34 – to regularize essential functions, with 25 posts under the foundation non-earmarked fund and nine under project financing, while abolitions focus on vacant or absorbable positions. It noted that all posts were reviewed for compliance with UN efficiency standards. To strengthen predictability and strategic alignment, UN-Habitat proposed replacing the scalability model with a prioritization-based budgeting approach. Overall, UN-Habitat indicated that the reforms aim to position the Organization as more coherent, decentralized and results-oriented.
Interventions by Member States
MOZAMBIQUE, on behalf of the African Group, welcomed the revised structure and its alignment with key reviews; expressed concern about the degree of decentralization, insufficient field capacity –particularly in Africa – and risks posed by abolishing regional and regular budget posts to normative work and institutional memory; opposed discontinuing the scalability model, stressing the need for predictable, balanced and equitable financing; called for strengthened regional offices, realistic budgeting, climate-responsive support to rapidly urbanizing regions and continued consultation to ensure effective implementation of the Strategic Plan. UNITED STATES acknowledged UN-Habitat’s humanitarian contributions but stressed that urban development challenges should rely on locally driven, private-sector approaches rather than global mandates; called for a leaner UN-Habitat focused on core technical functions, rejecting linkages to SDGs, climate or diversity agendas; and emphasized efficiency, accountability and adherence to the UN’s foundational mission of maintaining peace and security. COLOMBIA supported the proposed structure and highlighted its relevance for decentralization, modernization and partnerships. FRANCE underscored the need for closer alignment between staffing priorities and strategic objectives; questioned the concentration of managerial posts; and requested assurances on financial sustainability and post prioritisation. GERMANY emphasized a human-rights-based approach, stronger support for vulnerable communities and a coherent monitoring framework and urged transparency in resource mobilization and clarity on criteria for post abolishment under the UN80 Initiative. PORTUGAL highlighted alignment with the UN Development System reform and the need for stronger accountability in country operations, robust analytical capacity on human rights and clearer communication on staff reductions; and expressed concern over ending the scalability model and noted its value as a flexible budgeting tool. GERMANY and PORTUGAL jointly called for transparency and coherence throughout the UN80 Initiative process. PERU supported the revised structure but requested clarity on the mandates and authority of regional directors, implications of the UN80 Initiative and a detailed timeline for structural rollout to ensure accountability. NIGERIA aligned with the African Group, urging retention and improvement of the scalability model to address persistent funding challenges and support implementation of the Strategic Plan. PORTUGAL further requested clarification on the conclusions of the functional review and its relationship to regular budget reductions. FINLAND called for predictable funding to safeguard the balance between normative and operational work, including SDG localization; urged full mainstreaming of human rights, gender and social inclusion under the new structure; and requested transparency on the implications of the UN80 Initiative. THE NETHERLANDS requested detailed information on staffing distributions, justification for the 25 foundation-funded posts, and the impact of abolishing 16 regular budget posts; emphasized the need for impact assessments prior to restructuring; and sought clarity on the implications of the UN80 Initiative on partnerships and monitoring resources. FRANCE reiterated concerns about the sustainability of funding for the 25 new posts and requested contingency measures. ZAMBIA welcomed the monitoring framework and called for baseline indicators for 2026 and emphasized innovative resource mobilization and strengthened core funding. BRAZIL emphasized transparency, duty of care and avoiding unnecessary reporting burdens; underlined UN-Habitat’s role amid global urban challenges and called on Member States to address funding gaps, support decentralization and align efforts with national priorities and UN country teams. The Executive Board took note of the Executive Director’s update and report. 6 (c). Draft monitoring framework for the strategic plan for the period 2026–2029 Following the adoption of the Strategic Plan 2026–2029 by the Second Session of the UN-Habitat Assembly, the Executive Director introduced the draft monitoring framework contained in document HSP/EB.2025/20. UN-Habitat indicated that the framework is central to its results-based management, translating the Strategic Plan’s vision into measurable outcomes, tracking progress, and demonstrating impact. UN-Habitat noted that the framework was developed through broad consultations with staff, regional offices, Member States, and partners, and discussed at the ad hoc working group on programme, budgetary and administrative matters. UN-Habitat noted that Member States had requested realistic baselines and targets and welcomed the alignment of the framework with the SDGs and the New Urban Agenda. UN-Habitat highlighted its commitment to provide full implementation guidance for the Strategic Plan 2026–2029, including the monitoring framework, corporate guidance, and regional roadmaps. The framework includes 24 indicators aligned with the Strategic Plan, integrating cross-cutting issues such as gender equality, women’s empowerment, SDG localization, and multilevel governance. Baseline data collection has begun to inform targets, and UN-Habitat confirmed readiness to report progress at the next Executive Board session.
Interventions by Member States
ZAMBIA welcomed the draft monitoring framework and looked forward to the presentation of baseline values and targets for all indicators during the first Executive Board session in 2026, noting its importance for tracking progress and ensuring accountability. GERMANY welcomed that impact will be measured and requested further information on UN-Habitat’s capacity to monitor and measure progress. THE NETHERLANDS recommended that UN-Habitat ensure adequate monitoring capacity, and requested a clear explanation from UN-Habitat on how it intends to secure the necessary resources and capacities to maintain this core function; commended UN-Habitat for providing and presenting the framework in a timely manner and stressed the importance of monitoring the implementation of the Strategic Plan; and requested clarification on UN-Habitat’s monitoring capacity considering the ongoing functional review. PERU thanked UN-Habitat for the monitoring framework; took note of institutional capacity and resource requirements; and stressed that the framework should remain realistic. BURKINA FASO thanked the Executive Director for the quality of the documents provided; requested a flexible framework that can adapt to local conditions and measure progress effectively; emphasized the need for indicators and sub-indicators and mechanisms to ensure activities at the local level reflect impact; and reiterated the importance of developing sub-indicators and mechanisms to measure progress on the ground so that local populations benefit from UN-Habitat’s work. COSTA RICA thanked the Executive Director for the comprehensive documentation; reiterated the need to secure funding for UN-Habitat’s normative work and align resources with thematic goals; welcomed the monitoring framework as a tool to generate lessons learned for planning and resource allocation; and reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening oversight of UN-Habitat. COLOMBIA thanked the Executive Director for the presentation and agreed on the importance of the monitoring tool to ensure actions are adequately reported. JAPAN acknowledged the monitoring framework as a tool for measuring impact and emphasized the need for continuous monitoring and transparency in reporting in accordance with the indicators. PORTUGAL reiterated the importance of applying a human rights approach in implementing the Strategic Plan and emphasized the need to report on progress, impact, and outcomes. The Executive Board took note of the Executive Director’s update and report.
Agenda item 7: Consideration and possible approval of the draft work programme of UN-Habitat and the draft budget of the United Nations Habitat and Human Settlements Foundation for 2026
UN-Habitat explained that, in line with UN Secretariat requirements, the 2026 work programme remains structured around the Strategic Plan 2020–2025 while progressively incorporating priorities from the Strategic Plan 2026–2029, including adequate housing, land, and basic services. The proposed budget totals USD 190.3 million, with roughly 10 per cent in core resources and 90 per cent in earmarked contributions. If the General Assembly approves the revised regular budget, UN-Habitat’s allocation would decrease from USD 15 million to USD 12.4 million. UN-Habitat recalled ACABQ’s review and highlighted ongoing adjustments linked to the Secretary-General’s efficiency measures, including the 20 per cent reduction in post costs and related restructuring in management and programme support. Further clarifications were provided on the management of unspent balances, the scalability model, and mechanisms to adjust staffing and expenditures should revenues fall below projections.
Interventions by Member States
MOZAMBIQUE, on behalf the African Group, reiterated concern over the decline in core non-earmarked resources and its impact on UN-Habitat’s normative work and support to developing regions, particularly Africa; highlighted major housing deficits, spatial inequality, and climate vulnerability; called for strong prioritization of adequate housing, slum upgrading, land, and basic services under the new Strategic Plan; and urged strengthened burden-sharing, increased contributions, better balance between core and earmarked funding, and protection of regional and country-level staffing during restructuring. FRANCE took note of the draft documents and emphasized the need for stable and predictable voluntary contributions to safeguard organizational sustainability; stressed protecting normative functions, ensuring expenditure adjustments in case of revenue shortfalls, and maintaining realism in budget planning; supported maintaining the 2026 core budget level while requesting that concerns related to the use of unspent balances be explicitly reflected in decisions; and encouraged diversification efforts, including resource mobilization with international financial institutions and local authorities. PORTUGAL thanked UN-Habitat for the clarifications and echoed concerns regarding the prudent and transparent reflection of the financial situation; emphasized that responsible budget planning must acknowledge risks associated with the use of unspent balances and requested clarity on the implications of reducing the budget; and expressed support for the documents while stressing the need to maintain a strong link between real revenues and planned expenditures to avoid renewed liquidity challenges. COLOMBIA welcomed alignment of the programme with priorities related to inequality, housing needs, climate change, and disasters; valued the emphasis on adequate housing, land, and basic services; commended efforts to diversify donors and pursue innovative financing; and expressed full support for the 2026 programme. GERMANY underscored the need to increase core contributions to ensure institutional stability during the transition to the Strategic Plan 2026–2029; requested further clarity on UN-Habitat’s positioning within the context of the UN80 Initiative; and sought assurances on mandate protection and staff morale amid ongoing organizational changes. MALAWI aligned with the African Group and supported the draft programme and budget; requested clarity on allocations for least developed countries – particularly under subprogrammes 1 and 4 on housing and crisis response; called for climate-related technical cooperation resources to be embedded in long-term frameworks; and sought assurances that earmarked funding will not detract from LDC priorities. ZAMBIA welcomed coherence between the programme and its national priorities; stressed the importance of strengthening country-level presence and predictable technical support; expressed concern about the high proportion of earmarked funding; and requested enhanced efforts to mobilize core resources to ensure balanced financing across subprogrammes, especially for capacity-building, urban legislation, and decentralization. BRAZIL cautioned against assuming reduced future revenues, noting this could create a self-fulfilling expectation of financial decline; highlighted continued demand for UN-Habitat’s support; and urged that decisions reflect confidence in UN-Habitat’s ability to deliver. COSTA RICA expressed support for the proposed programme and budget as the basis for launching the Strategic Plan 2026–2029; stressed coherence between resources and priorities – especially adequate housing and informal settlement upgrading; emphasized fiscal responsibility, including prudent use of the scalability model; and underscored the need for structural efficiency aligned with ACABQ recommendations to deliver impact at the field level. The Executive Board took note of the Executive Director’s briefing and report and of the report of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions.
Agenda item 8: Normative and operational activities of UN-Habitat, including reporting on the programmatic activities of UN-Habitat and the implementation of subprogrammes, flagship programmes and technical cooperation activities and the engagement of UN-Habitat in countries, territories and areas affected by conflict and disaster.
UN-Habitat highlighted progress in normative and operational activities including results from its five flagship programmes: Inclusive, Vibrant Neighbourhoods and Communities; People-Centred Smart Cities; RISE-UP; Inclusive Cities; and SDG Cities. The Organization underscored strengthened cooperation with local and regional governments through the Local2030 Coalition and related platforms, progress on national localization frameworks, and the expansion of the SDG Cities offer to more than 150 cities in 40 countries. Updates were provided on the Nigeria and Philippines country programmes, covering urban planning, participatory governance, climate action, and post-disaster and post-conflict rehabilitation, including long-term spatial development strategies and SDG localization. UN-Habitat also reported on crisis response efforts, highlighting normative guidance on displaced populations and operational support in Ukraine and the Gaza Strip, including policy advice, technical assistance, capacity development, and knowledge co-creation.
Interventions by Member States
JAPAN appreciated the report; highlighted its continued assistance to crisis and recovery efforts in the Philippines and Gaza; and emphasized the importance of monitoring and evaluation to enhance transparency. UKRAINE expressed appreciation for the preparation of the Executive Director’s report and for UN-Habitats growing engagement in the country; highlighted the significant destruction and displacement caused by the invasion; and requested that the report be revised to use accurate and UN-consistent wording – specifically “Ukraine affected by conflict”. COLOMBIA appreciated the report; highlighted national efforts in sustainable development, resilient territorial development, and humanitarian assistance through basic services provision; expressed concern over the conflicts in Ukraine and the Gaza Strip; and looked forward to a comprehensive report on the consequences for the built environment in 2026. BURKINA FASO welcomed the report and UN-Habitat’s efforts to reduce socio-economic disparities; noted that despite national and UN-Habitat-supported efforts, results remain insufficient to address multifaceted urban challenges; and called for additional studies on the cost of inactivity in sectors such as water management and food provision. FRANCE appreciated the report and presentation; cautioned that declining regular budget resources risk shifting capacity away from core normative functions; noted humanitarian operations in Ukraine and Gaza and requested a needs-based approach that avoids duplication with other UN agencies; and stressed that forums and voluntary initiatives cannot replace Member State–led normative processes, reaffirming the central role of intergovernmental bodies. GERMANY appreciated the report; welcomed UN-Habitat’s normative and operational work and encouraged stronger interconnections across initiatives to maximize impact; highlighted the recent UN Security Council resolution on Gaza and the upcoming reconstruction conference in Cairo, which it will co-chair; reaffirmed support to Gaza and Ukraine, including through UNITAC; and underscored the need to mobilize public and private finance for recovery and reconstruction in Ukraine. RUSSIAN FEDERATION raised concerns about the language used, arguing that certain terminology, as well as detailed discussions of migration and macroeconomic recovery, fall outside UN-Habitat’s technical mandate and rest with other international and regional bodies. STATE OF PALESTINE thanked UN-Habitat for its continued support to human settlements; stressed the importance of a full and comprehensive report on destruction and recovery needs in the Gaza Strip; and welcomed UN-Habitat’s confirmation that it stands ready to finalize the report when conditions permit and present it at the next Executive Board session. PHILIPPINES thanked UN-Habitat for the report; highlighted national efforts to strengthen climate resilience and address marine litter; and welcomed deeper collaboration on housing. FINLAND thanked UN-Habitat for the report and for ongoing partnership on SDG localization; highlighted work in Ukraine and reiterated the need for terminology that better reflects realities on the ground, aligning with Ukraine’s earlier statement; and requested clarity on coordination with UN agencies, the Resident Coordinator, and government actors to avoid duplication and maximize operational impact. BURUNDI aligned with the African Group; stressed the need for special support to advance sustainable urban transformation and implement their national housing policy; announced their 2026 National Urban Forum; and requested UN-Habitat’s support in its preparation. The Executive Board took note of the Executive Director’s update and report.
Agenda item 9: Preparations for the thirteenth session of the World Urban Forum
UN-Habitat presented an update on preparations for the thirteenth session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13), which will be held from 17 to 22 May 2026 in Baku, Azerbaijan, under the theme “Housing the world: safe and resilient cities and communities.” The Organization highlighted that WUF13 will continue to serve as the UN system’s leading global platform on sustainable urbanization and a key venue for advancing the New Urban Agenda and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. UN-Habitat outlined the governance structures of WUF13, including an internal task force chaired by the Executive Director, a technical team for daily operations, and collaboration with the Government of Azerbaijan through an inter-ministerial organizing committee, a national coordinator, and an operating company. The Organization presented the Forum’s objectives and its programme design, emphasizing its focus on addressing the global housing crisis. It also underscored the importance on stakeholder participation, with approximately 350 partner events and a strengthened Urban Expo featuring two flagship components: the WUF Practices Hub, showcasing real-world housing solutions, and the WUF Academy, offering structured learning and capacity-building opportunities. UN-Habitat further highlighted efforts to maximize participation and engagement through expanded global advocacy and mobilization. The Organization concluded by noting that WUF13 strives to deliver concrete outcomes through the Baku Call to Action, legacy initiatives in the host city, and contributions to accelerate implementation of the New Urban Agenda in its second decade.
Interventions by Member States
AZERBAIJAN reiterated commitment to partnering with UN-Habitat and readiness to host WUF13; informed Member States that registration was open; encouraged delegations to contact the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Nairobi for any support. BURKINA FASO thanked Azerbaijan for its efforts and UN-Habitat for the quality of coordination and requested clarification on the composition of the WUF13 preparatory structures, including the internal task force, advisory board, and the process for selecting panellists and enhancing transparency. COLOMBIA congratulated UN-Habitat and Azerbaijan on the quality of WUF13 preparations and expressed strong interest in participating at the highest political level and in showcasing Colombia’s biodiversity strategies and best practices. FRANCE expressed strong interest in the upcoming call for proposals for partner-led events; requested clarification on the timeline for its launch, selection criteria, and modalities for engaging with local and regional governments; requested clarification on the WUF Practices Hub; and requested information on opportunities for participation by European institutions and Francophone networks and how Member States and other stakeholders may contribute to the Baku Call to Action. GERMANY requested for clarity on attendance mechanisms and engagement and requested for a clear timeline of milestones leading to WUF13 to support advance planning by Member States. The Executive Board took note of the Executive Director’s update and report.
Agenda item 10: Preparations for the High-Level meeting of the General Assembly on the midterm review of the New Urban Agenda
The Executive Director provided an update on preparations for the 2026 midterm review of the New Urban Agenda and ongoing reporting activities. UN-Habitat indicated that two complementary reports on the New Urban Agenda are currently under development: the report of the Secretary-General and an extended UN-Habitat global report, both of which assess global progress on the Agenda over the past decade, drawing on inputs from Member States and stakeholders. UN-Habitat indicated that these reports would feed into the High-Level Meeting of the General Assembly on the New Urban Agenda in July 2026, which will conclude with a political declaration. The declaration will be drafted by two co-facilitators to be appointed through consultations led by the President of the General Assembly in December 2025. A preliminary version is expected to be discussed during the ministerial meeting on the New Urban Agenda at WUF13 in May 2026. The Executive Director further highlighted the complementarity of the 2026 midterm review of the New Urban Agenda and the global review of SDG 11 that will take place during the 2026 High-Level Political Forum. UN-Habitat indicated that it is preparing the 2026 global synthesis report on SDG 11 and will convene an expert group meeting and an SDG 11 Action segment at the 2026 ECOSOC Partnerships Forum. An update was also provided on the status of the National Progress Reports (NPRs) for the current reporting cycle. At least 62 countries are expected to submit reports for the 2026 reporting cycle, representing a notable increase from 40 in 2022. UN-Habitat noted that the increase reflects strengthened support mechanisms, including updated guidelines, e-learning tools, templates and the New Urban Agenda Learning Series. The Executive Director also recognized the efforts of Morocco and Malaysia for hosting regional platforms that aim to support Member States in their monitoring and reporting on the New Urban Agenda. The Executive Director thanked Member States that have already submitted their National Progress Reports and encouraged all countries to do so promptly to ensure a representative assessment of global progress in the forthcoming 2026 reports.
Interventions by Member States
ZAMBIA welcomed UN-Habitat’s updates and reaffirmed its support for the New Urban Agenda and participation in the HLM; highlighted challenges in country-level coordination mechanisms; expressed interest in leveraging Voluntary Local Reviews (VLRs) for national reporting; and emphasized the need for data and action on housing and basic services. GERMANY reiterated the importance of the New Urban Agenda in advancing urban components of global frameworks; expressed concern over the limited number of NPRs submitted to date; emphasized the need for data and reporting support; and asked how preparations for the HLM were progressing. CAMEROON commended the inclusive and structured roadmap toward the HLM; acknowledged UN-Habitat’s support for monitoring through the Learning Series and regional platforms, including the Asia-Pacific and proposed Africa platform; and called for greater investment in data production and monitoring capacities in developing countries. MALAWI expressed appreciation for capacity development support and the signing of an MoU with UN-Habitat; noted the submission of its NPR and the ongoing review of its national urban policy; emphasized that the midterm review should foster renewed political commitment; and called for clear accountability mechanisms, support for developing countries, and the mainstreaming of social inclusion, climate action and poverty reduction. BRAZIL emphasized the synergies between sustainable urbanization and climate governance, referencing outcomes from COP 30 and earlier climate summits and highlighted the importance of a just climate transition for the urban poor. MALAWI, CAMEROON, GERMANY and ZAMBIA all highlighted the importance of capacity development and data support for effective reporting. The Executive Board took note of the Executive Director’s update and report.
Agenda item 11: Report of the Office of Internal Oversight Services and of the Ethics Office to the Executive Board
The Executive Director introduced the item, recalling the Board’s decision to include the reports of OIOS and the Ethics Office on the provisional agenda. The Secretariat informed the Board that the OIOS report covering the period 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025 had not yet been issued and would therefore be presented at the next session. UN-Habitat indicated that the forthcoming report would cover audits, evaluations, and investigations supported by the Organization, as well as ethics-related matters and recommendations within the oversight and accountability framework. UN-Habitat indicated that oversight activities continue across country offices, with audit recommendations at various stages of implementation and evaluations under way on UN-wide thematic areas such as disability inclusion and climate-focused partnerships. Between January 2024 and August 2025, the Organization received 11 cases referred by OIOS and 30 ethics-related inquiries, with appropriate advice and action taken in line with UN regulations. UN-Habitat further indicated that efforts to strengthen ethics functions are ongoing, including expanded training, support on PSEA/SH, and the establishment of an enhanced internal ethics framework. UN-Habitat indicated that progress continues on staff training and awareness, including mandatory ethics courses, financial disclosure compliance, and an increase in trained internal investigators following OIOS capacity-building. Leadership dialogues on ethical behaviour are ongoing, and additional outreach and training are planned across regional offices, subject to available resources. The Organization reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening oversight and ethics and welcomed continued support from Member States.
Interventions by Member States
BRAZIL thanked the Executive Director for the presentation; emphasized the importance Brazil attaches to the matter; and reiterated that protection against abuse, harassment, and abuse of authority cannot go unnoticed. GERMANY thanked the Executive Director for the presentation and emphasized that oversight remains of utmost importance; underscored that oversight is a core responsibility of the Executive Board and encouraged continued efforts to strengthen accountability, transparency and compliance at UN-Habitat; added that given the number of investigations and activities undertaken by the OIOS Investigations Division, it was essential for UN-Habitat to address such cases properly; and stressed that steps and measures taken by UN-Habitat in response should be disclosed in a comprehensive and transparent manner. FRANCE thanked UN-Habitat for the presentation and noted that reforms under UN80 create certain uncertainties for the Organization; emphasized the need to streamline roles to ensure sustainability and preserve the integrity of recruitment, evaluation and career management processes; took note of the reports presented by OIOS and the Ethics Office; reiterated its commitment to transparency, ethical management and sound governance, particularly important in a context of budgetary constraints and restructuring; and underscored the importance of full and timely implementation of oversight recommendations, systematic follow-up on pending recommendations, and the integration of ethics, conflict-of-interest prevention, whistleblower protection and equal treatment in staff management. The Executive Board took note of the Executive Director’s update and report.
Agenda item 12: Consideration and adoption of the outcomes of the session, including on the dates and provisional agenda for the first session of 2026
H.E. Mr. Sebastian Groth, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Germany to UN-Habitat and Chair of the Executive Board, noted the successful conclusion of the informal consultations during the session and thanked Ambassador Susan Nakhumicha Wafula and all delegations for their contributions to preparing the revised draft decisions. The meeting adopted draft decisions 2025/[A], 2025/[B], and 2025/[C], as prepared during the informal consultations, without further changes.
Interventions by Member States
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA confirmed that it did not support the 2026–2029 Strategic Plan and disassociated from the decisions relating to the 2026 work programme and budget; recommended UN-Habitat to refocus on its core mandate. NIGERIA expressed appreciation for the efforts of UN-Habitat and Member States to develop an agreeable draft outcome; acknowledged the flexibility and compromise shown by Member States; expressed discomfort with the abolishment of the scalability model, particularly in the interest of the African continent; welcomed the comprehensive explanations and clarifications provided UN-Habitat; and reiterated support for the work of UN-Habitat.
Agenda item 13: Other matters
The Chair invited Member States and Stakeholders to make statements, and as no requests were made, closed the agenda item.
Agenda item 14: Closure of the session
The Chair invited the Executive Director to deliver her closing remarks. The Executive Director thanked Germany for its work as Chair of the Executive Board and all delegations for their contributions to the success of the session. The Chair thanked all delegations for their support and declared the 2025 third session of the Executive Board closed.