Habitat Partner University Initiative is an inclusive Initiative, enabling an open entry process based on motivation towards sustainable urban development and subsequent opportunities for partners to distinguish themselves through their engagement and achievements towards this goal.

Besides agreeing with the general vision of the Initiative the basic requirement for becoming a partner is to promote the Habitat Partner University Initiative principles and, for institutional members, support implementing its agenda.

The Initiative includes two membership levels: "Individual" and "Institutional".

Individual members
On an individual level membership is acquired through signing up via this webpage, thereby joining the Initiative's database and mailing list. Click here to register

Institutional members
Universities and other tertiary institutions and their associations are eligible for institutional membership. While it is the aim to have the highest level of the university engaged to facilitate multi-sectoral activities across departments and schools, the Initiative also invites institutional membership at the "highest possible" level (for example, department, school or faculty).

To become an institutional member, the institution needs to have a proven commitment to the principles and a profile targeted towards Sustainable Urban Development. Institutional members are subject to a review process and may distinguish themselves through their work and commitment towards the goals of the Initiative.

Steps to become an institutional partner of the Habitat Partner University Initiative:

1. Expression of Interest

Potential partner to indicate interest to the HPUI office. Attach a draft of the "Expression of Interest template" where possible areas of collaboration are identified. The document is to be signed by the highest possible level at the university and sent to HPUI@unhabitat.org. This exchange is to define the nature of the partnership, suggest possible collaborations, identify a focal point and align the particular strengths of the potential partner with the goals of the Habitat Partner University Initiative.

2. Exchange of Letters/Memorandum of Understanding

1. If the HPUI office determines the collaboration to be mutually beneficial a return letter will be signed by UN-Habitat and sent to the University, after which the University is considered a Habitat Universities partner.
2. Should particular elements of the collaboration require a stronger legal framework, a Memorandum of Understanding may instead be developed; the HPUI Office will inform whether this is required.

3. Internal organization

The Initiative requires the partner to appoint a Focal Point to act as the direct link of the partnership, the partner should decide whether eg. an internal steering committee is required in addition to this.