The World Urban Forum returns to Africa
The World Urban Forum (WUF12), the premier global conference on sustainable urbanization, returns to Africa for the first time in over 20 years. From 4 to 8 November 2024, Cairo will welcome thousands of participants from around the world, including government officials, urban planners, community leaders, business leaders, and civil society organizations. The theme, “It all starts at home: local actions for sustainable cities and communities,” will guide discussions across more than 500 sessions, a dynamic Urban Expo, and Cairo Urban Week, which links WUF12 to the heart of the city. We invite you to join us in Cairo to exchange ideas, learn from global best practices, and drive meaningful change in your communities. Together, we can forge stronger coalitions to address the most pressing global challenges.
Executive Director of UN-Habitat assumes office in Nairobi, Kenya
During my tenure, it will be important to establish the right coalitions and networks to support a strong and robust Organization able to leverage existing knowledge, expertise and resources globally.
Anacláudia Rossbach, Executive Director UN-Habitat
New Executive Director of UN-Habitat Anacláudia Rossbach of Brazil assumed office at UN-Habitat’s headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya, on 12 August 2024. The UN General Assembly elected Ms. Rossbach as Executive Director of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) in June 2024 following nomination by the United Nations Secretary-General. Ms. Rossbach is an economist with more than 20 years of experience working on issues of housing, including informal settlements, land, and urban policies. Prior to her appointment, she headed the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Notable Publications !!!
Global Footprints of UN-Habitat . . .
How rebuilding sewage networks transformed lives in Sinjar
In 2014, Luqman Sabri Khalaf and his family were forced to flee their home in Sinjar, Iraq, when ISIS invaded their city. "The place we once called home was barely recognizable," Luqman recalls. "Everything was destroyed — the houses, the sewage systems, the water pipes, the electricity." But the family remained determined to rebuild their lives in Sinjar.
A simple solution transforms lives in Yangon’s informal settlements
In Yangon’s informal settlements, water has become increasingly hard to come by. Thida, a 14-year-old student living in one of Yangon’s peri-urban areas, used to worry every day about the water she drank at school. Now, thanks to UN-Habitat and Daiken Corporation's "Tametotto" rainwater harvesting tank, she can safely drink water at school without fear of illness.
Bolivia launches national urban policy to transform its cities
Last month, Bolivia reached a major milestone in urban development with the official launch of its National Comprehensive Urban Development Policy (PNDIC). Developed with support from UN-Habitat and funding from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), this policy marks a new chapter in the country's approach to urban planning, aimed at creating more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable cities.
Financial Highlights
Upcoming Events and Meetings
Fourth Forum of Mayors
30 September – 1 October 2024
Geneva, Switzerland
World Habitat Day 2024
7 October 2024
Querétaro, Mexico
World Cities Day
31 October 2024
Alexandria, Egypt
Twelfth session of the World Urban Forum
4 – 8 November 2024
Cairo, Egypt