UN-Habitat
 
Loading...
Feature Stories
CALENDAR  
2013
Apr | Mar | Feb | Jan
2012
Dec | Nov | Oct | Sep
Aug | Jul | Jun | May
Apr | Mar | Feb | Jan
2011
Dec | Nov | Oct | Sep
Aug | Jul | Jun | May
Apr | Mar | Feb | Jan
2010
Dec | Nov | Oct | Sep
Aug | Jul | Jun | May
Apr | Mar | Feb | Jan
2009
Dec | Nov | Oct | Sep
Aug | Jul | Jun | May
Apr | Mar | Feb | Jan
2008
Dec | Nov | Oct | Sep
Aug | Jul | Jun | May
Apr | Mar | Feb | Jan
2007
Dec | Nov | Oct | Sep
Aug | Jul | Jun | May
Apr | Mar | Feb | Jan
2006
Dec | Nov | Oct | Sep
Aug | Jul | Jun | May
Apr | Mar | Feb | Jan
2005
Dec | Nov | Oct | Sep
Aug | Jul | Jun | May
Apr | Mar | Feb | Jan
2004
Dec | Nov | Oct | Sep
Aug | Jul | Jun | May
Apr | Mar | Feb | Jan
2003
Dec | Nov | Oct | Sep
Aug | Jul | May | Apr
Mar | Feb | Jan
2002
Dec
   Home » Feature Stories » News
News
 
display 10 | 20 | 30 | 40 | 50 | All | titles per page
1 - 171 of 171 titles
Strong support for youth at cities summit  
Marrakesh, 22 Dec 09
A lively debate at the African cities summit explored ways of engaging youth for the betterment of themselves and their communities.
A new land programme in Liberia  
Monrovia, Liberia, 21 Dec 09
The newly established Land Commission of Liberia agreed on Friday to sign an Agreement of Cooperation with UN-HABITAT for the joint implementation of land reform programme financed by the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund.
Cities must be empowered to tackle climate change  
Copenhagen, 19 Dec 09
National governments must give cities the support they need to tackle climate change impacts, UN-HABITAT Executive Director Mrs. Anna Tibaijuka said at the end of the marathon climate change talks in the Danish capital.
Africities summit opens  
Marrakech, Morocco, 18 Dec 09
His Majesty Mohammed VI, King of Morocco, this week opened the fifth session of the African cities summit at a glittering ceremony attended by high ranking figures from around the continent.
Mayors demand bigger say in climate negotiations  
Copenhagen, 17 Dec 09
Mayors and local authority leaders from around the world this week demanded more say in climate change negotiations because the majority of people live in towns and cities. Their appeal came as the world waited with bated breath for news of the outcome of the global climate talks in Copenhagen.
Ban Ki-moon urges climate deal  
Copenhagen, 17 Dec 09
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon urged world leaders to come up with a climate change deal as they battled to find consensus after years of preparation for Friday’s finale at the climate talks in Copenhagen.
A tense countdown on global climate talks  
Copenhagen, 16 Dec 09
As world climate talks heated up to a tense finale on Friday, a group of UN agencies warned world leaders gathering in Copenhagen that the cities, now home to most of humanity, are the key battle fronts where the war against the impacts of climate change must be fought and won.
UN agencies discuss climate change effect on cities  
Copenhagen, 15 Dec 09
Cities are one of the battle fronts where the war against the effects of climate change must be fought and won, a discussion forum bringing together several UN agencies said Monday.
Pakistan, UN-HABITAT host workshop on Gender in Water and Sanitation  
Islamabad, 15 Dec 09
UN-HABITAT and the Pakistan Institute for Environment-Development Action Research organized a one-day National Workshop on Gender Mainstreaming in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene convened by the Pakistani Ministry of Environment on 14 December, 2009.
World mayors pledge more action on climate change  
Copenhagen, 15 Dec 09
World mayors congregated at the Copenhagen City Hall Tuesday to discuss challenges and opportunities of climate change for their cities.
New African cities climate change initiative  
Nairobi, 15 Dec 09
UN-HABITAT this week announced a new drive to raise awareness in African cities about climate change problems so that proper mitigation and adaptation plans can be put in place. A pilot programme for local authorities will start in five cities – Mombasa (Kenya), Kigali (Rwanda), St Louis (Senegal), Walvis Bay (Namibia), and Bobo-Dioulasso (Burkina Faso).
55 million affected by climate disasters in 2009, UN says  
Copenhagen, 15 Dec 09
Some 55 million people were affected by extreme weather conditions around the world in 2009, the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary General for Disaster Risk Reduction Ms. Margareta Wahlstrom said on Monday.
World leaders need education on climate change - Maldives President  
Copenhagen, 14 Dec 09
World leaders are in urgent need of education on climate change and how it is affecting their countries and populations, Maldives President Mr. Mohamed Nasheed said Monday.
Sweden and Pakistan lauded for supporting UN-HABITAT  
Nairobi, 14 Dec 09
The Executive Director, Mrs. Anna Tibaijuka, has commended the Governments of Sweden and Pakistan for their support to the organization. Mrs. Tibaijuka made the commendation while receiving the credentials from the new Swedish Permanent Representative to UN-HABITAT, Mrs. Ann Dismorr, and her counterpart from Pakistan, Mr. Masroor A. Junejo.
UN-HABITAT pitches for youth at climate conference  
Copenhagen, 14 Dec 09
UN-HABITAT is lobbing hard for young people saying that opinion shapers meeting at the world climate talks in Copenhagen must address concerns raised by youth who constitute the majority of the world’s population.
Assisting the disabled in Lebanon  
Tyre, Lebanon, 11 Dec 09
UN-HABITAT has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Lebanese Physical Handicapped Union, setting out the framework under which the two organizations will collaborate to promote and develop the concept of inclusive environment for people with special needs.
UN agencies worried at poor urban planning, pollution in Pacific countries  
Fukuoka, 10 Dec 09
UN agencies this week said they were concerned at the lack of progress in addressing planning, housing, sanitation, waste management and environmental pollution in urban areas of countries in the Pacific. They raised the alarm after a series of fact-finding missions.
Good land governance is key to realizing gender equality and grassroots participation  
Naivasha, Kenya, 10 Dec 09
UN-HABITAT and the Global Land Tool Network last year conducted a three-day workshop to validate a new training course on improving gender equality and grassroots participation in land governance. The training took place in Naivasha, Kenya from 17-19 November 2009.
Kofi Annan and Ms. Machel tour Kibera  
Nairobi,Kenya, 8 Dec 09
Ms. Elizabeth Mbatha, a resident of the Nairobi slum Kibera, thought she was dreaming when she found herself sitting across the table from none other than the former United Nations Secretary General Mr. Kofi Annan.
New envoys from Mexico and the Philippines present credentials to Tibaijuka  
Nairobi, 4 Dec 09
Two new envoys today presented their credentials to the Executive Director, Mrs. Anna Tibaijuka. They are the Permanent Representative of Mexico, Mr. Lewis Javier Capuano, and his counterpart from the Philippines, Mr. Domingo D. Lucenario, Jr.
New web feature launched to mark landmark women’s convention  
New York, 3 Dec 09
To mark the 30th anniversary of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), UN-HABITAT has helped to launch a new inter-agency web feature on gender equality and sustainable urbanisation.
Artists and their fans gather for a youth summit  
Nairobi, 3 Dec 09
Some three hundred people, majority of them artists and their adoring fans gathered at the UN-HABITAT headquarters in Nairobi on Monday for a rare summit to discuss urban arts.
New peace building programme in Serbia  
Bujanovac, 2 Dec 09
Mayors of 13 municipalities in the Pèinja and Jablanica districts of South Serbia have agreed to implement a peace building programme funded by the Spanish Millennium Development Goals Achievement Fund.
New envoys from Uganda and Niger present credentials to Tibaijuka  
Nairobi, 2 Dec 09
The new Permanent Representatives of Uganda and Niger to UN-HABITAT today presented their credentials to the Executive Director, Mrs. Anna Tibaijuka. They are: Ms. Angelina Wapakhabulo of Uganda, and Ms. Diamballa Maimouna of Niger.
Rwandan Youth get Information and Communication Technology skills  
Kigali, 30 Nov 09
Some 188 youth recently completed training in information and communication technology (ICT) at the WAF-One Stop Centre in Kigali.
Vocational Trainings Launched at the Moonbeam Youth Training Centre  
Nairobi, 30 Nov 09
Comprehensive intensive entrepreneurship, business planning and cooperative management trainings were recently launched at the Moonbeam Training Centre, Mavoko, Nairobi.
Rwandan Local Governments Sign Declaration on Climate Change  
Kigali, Rwanda, 26 Nov 09
Local government officials came together on 26-27 November 2009, at a conference organised by the Rwandese Association of Local Governments and UN-HABITAT, in Kigali, Rwanda to hammer out a declaration on climate change.
A book by the Executive Director  
Stockholm, 26 Nov 09
UN-HABITAT’s Executive Director, Mrs. Anna Tibaijuka, on Thursday launched a new book she has written at a ceremony in the Swedish capital. Entitled “Building Prosperity” it argues why it is good to invest in housing for the poor.
Tibaijuka launches her book Building Prosperity: Housing and Economic Development  
Nairobi, 24 Nov 09
UN-HABITAT Executive Director, Mrs. Anna Tibaijuka today launched her book, Building Prosperity: Housing and Economic Development.
Tibaijuka shares world’s top environment prize  
Gothenburg, Sweden, 24 Nov 09
UN-HABITAT’s Executive Director Anna Tibaijuka on Tuesday was given the coveted Göteborg Award for Sustainable Development. Widely known as the “Nobel Prize for the Environment”, she shared the 2009 award with Enrique Peñalosa, the former mayor of Bogotá, Colombia, and the world renowned hero of the environment, Sören Hermansen, of Samsö, Denmark.
Training on gender and land governance draws to a close  
Naivasha, 23 Nov 09
UN-HABITAT and the Global Land Tool Network last week held a three-day workshop to test a new training course on improving gender equality and grassroots participation in land governance.
Poland honours Mrs. Tibaijuka  
Warsaw, 23 Nov 09
UN-HABITAT’s Executive Director has been awarded an honorary doctorate by the Warsaw School of Economics at a glittering ceremony marking the first time that the university has bestowed such an award upon a woman in its more than 100 years of existence.
UN-HABITAT empowers urban youth with evaluation skills  
Nairobi, 23 Nov 09
UN HABITAT is empowering urban youth centres in East Africa with innovative tools for effective program evaluation.
US students raise more than USD 10,000 for Nepal water project  
Kathmandu, 18 Nov 09
Students at Bentley University in Boston, have raised funds amounting to more than USD 10,000 for UN HABITAT’s Water for Asian Cities Programme. The money is being used for a rainwater conservation project in Nepal.
Tehran Municipality celebrates World Habitat Day  
Tehran, 18 Nov 09
The Municipality of Tehran celebrated this year’s World Habitat Day by hosting a conference and specialized panels as well as a festival for children.
United Cities and Local Governments meet in China  
Guangzhou, 18 Nov 09
Some 500 representatives of local and regional authorities, as well as their partners - international institutions and national ministries – congregated in Guangzhou for the World Council and Executive Bureau meetings.
Water for African Cities  
Johannesburg, 17 Nov 09
City managers from 18 cities across Africa met in Johannesburg in recent days to review progress of UN-HABITAT’s Water for African Cities’ Programme.
A new Romanian envoy  
Nairobi, 16 Nov 09
The new Permanent Representative of Romania to UN-HABITAT, Mr. Dumitru Neagu, this week presented his credentials to the Executive Director, Mrs. Anna Tibaijuka.
From Profiles to Action Planning  
Naivasha, 16 Nov 09
“One in every two Pacific Islanders is an urban resident, if Papua New Guinea, the largest island in the Pacific is excluded from the count,” explained Max Kep, a member of the Papua New Guinea country team; an honorary member to the Action Planning workshop for Phase II countries.
Making cities safer for women  
Seoul, 16 Nov 09
UN-HABITAT recently launched two new publications aimed at making cities safer for women. The books were released at the 2nd Metropolis Women International Network Forum in Seoul.
Philippine Climate Change Forum concludes with Action Agenda  
Manila, 11 Nov 09
The Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council, the League of Cities of the Philippines, and UN-HABITAT jointly organized the Philippine Urban Development and Climate Change Forum on 11-12 November in Manila.
Rio group gets Bahrain award  
Nairobi, 2 Nov 09
A Rio de Janeiro-based foundation that promotes land, housing and human rights has been selected as the winner of the 2010 Shaikh Khalifa Bin Salman Al Khalifa UN-HABITAT Award.
UN-HABITAT Executive Director awarded for promoting urban health  
Nairobi,Kenya, 23 Oct 09
The Executive Director of UN-HABITAT, Mrs. Anna Tibaijuka, has been recognized for her outstanding achievements in promoting urban health.
UN-HABITAT and Brazil sign World Urban Forum agreement  
Nairobi, 22 Oct 09
UN-HABITAT Executive Director, Mrs. Anna Tibaijuka, and Brazil’s Permanent Representative, Mrs. Ana Maria Sampaio, signed a Conference Agreement to facilitate the organization of the Fifth Session of the World Urban Forum to be held in Rio de Janeiro from 22-26 March 2010.
Urban Profiling workshop conducted in Fiji  
Nadi, 17 Oct 09
A five-day urban profiling workshop was conducted in Fiji by UN-HABITAT’s Regional Office for Africa and the Arab States, the Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific and the Training and Capacity Building Branch.
New Envoys from Kenya, Serbia and Austria present credentials to Tibaijuka  
Nairobi, 16 Oct 09
Three new Permanent Representatives today presented their credentials to the Executive Director, Mrs. Anna Tibaijuka. They are the Permanent Representatives of Kenya, Mr. Macharia Kamau; his Serbian counterpart, Mr. Zdravko Bisic; and that of Austria, Mr. Christian Hasenbichler.
Tibaijuka reiterates Sierra Leone’s importance to UN-HABITAT  
Nairobi, 15 Oct 09
UN-HABITAT Executive Director, Mrs. Anna Tibaijuka, has stated that Sierra Leone is priority country in the work of UN-HABITAT and expressed a desire to see a greater presence of the agency in that country.
UN-HABITAT convenes Expert Group Meeting on Partnership  
Barcelona, Spain, 15 Oct 09
Experts on partnership from around the world were invited to Barcelona to hear about UN-HABITAT´s continued commitment to its Partnership Strategy and to give their input on the progress. A key factor in UN-HABITAT´s Medium-term Strategic and Institutional Plan (MTSIP) is the development of a partnership strategy that is meant to enhance the engagement of partners in achieving global urban sustainability.
Obama administration lauds Mrs. Tibaijuka  
Washington .D.C, 8 Oct 09
The administration of President Barack Obama this week paid a glowing tribute to UN-HABITAT Executive Director Mrs. Anna Tibaijuka saying she has done a commendable job at the agency.
Brian Williams, a dedicated UN-HABITAT staff member  
Nairobi,Kenya, 6 Oct 09
An esteemed member of UN-HABITAT’s international staff, Mr. Brian Williams, passed away suddenly at the weekend.
Homelessness is colour blind, declares Jon Bon Jovi  
Washington, 6 Oct 09
Homelessness knows no colour, no creed and must be tackled through concerted efforts, American rock star Jon Bon Jovi said on Monday.
President Obama speaks out on World Habitat Day  
Washington, 5 Oct 09
President Barack Obama said in a special World Habitat Day message on Monday that his administration was looking towards stronger partnerships with other organizations in addressing the challenges facing American people, including housing.
Toronto Marks World Habitat Day  
Toronto, 5 Oct 09
Mayor David Miller proclaimed World Habitat Day in Toronto at a special event at Toronto City Hall on the morning of October 5th.
World Habitat Day marked in Kenya  
Mombasa,Kenya, 5 Oct 09
The observance of the World Habitat Day in Kenya was held amidst pomp and celebration at the Uwanja wa Maendeleo grounds, a rehabilitated playground in Ziwa la Ng’ombe, one of the low income tenements in the coastal town of Mombasa.
Water operators at Waterlinks forum  
Bangkok, 30 Sept 09
The Global Water Operators' Partnerships Alliance attended the 2009 WaterLinks Forum held in Bangkok.
UN-HABITAT fund awards 67 youth projects around the world  
Nairobi, 30 Sept 09
UN-HABITAT has awarded grants from its new Opportunities Fund for Urban Youth-Led Development to 67 projects proposed by young people from around the world.
Pollution and unemployment top city residents’ concerns  
Nairobi,Kenya, 29 Sept 09
Unemployment, lack of affordable housing as well as road and traffic congestion are some of the key concerns for urban dwellers, a new online survey by UN-HABITAT has revealed.
UN-HABITAT trains youth in participatory urban planning  
Nairobi, 28 Sept 09
UN-HABITAT has launched a program to train youth on how to �map� their cities. Using participatory planning techniques combined with the latest in spatial technologies, youth from the One Stop Youth Resource Centre sites in Dar es Salaam, Nairobi, and Kampala will over the next three months map youth services and other important sites in their communities.
UN HABITAT support for Serbian peace building  
Belgrade, 25 Sept 09
UN-HABITAT will introduce its Safer Cities programme to 13 municipalities to Serbia as part of a joint UN project to promote peace in the south of the country.
Water Operators Alliance co-hosts training  
Johannesburg, 25 Sept 09
Nine African water utilities were introduced to Water Safety Planning during a five-day training in Johannesburg from the 21st to 25th of September.
UN-HABITAT and the Volkswagen Foundation launch a research programme on urban violence prevention in Sub-Saharan Africa.  
Nairobi, 23 Sept 09
Urban Violence in Sub-Saharan Africa: Its impacts, coping strategies and peace building (U-Care Programme) is a three year research programme funded by the Volkswagen Foundation.
Announcing winners of Habitat Scroll of Honour Awards as Countdown to World Habitat Day continues  
Nairobi, Kenya, 22 Sept 09
As part of the countdown to the World Habitat Day celebrations, on 5 October 2009, UN-HABITAT this week announced the winners of its prestigious Scroll of Honour Award.
UN-HABITAT Youth Opportunities Fund Advisory Committee Meets  
Nairobi, 18 Sept 09
The UN-HABITAT Advisory Committee of the Opportunities Fund for Urban Youth-Led Development met for the first time at the organization headquarters in Nairobi on September 18, 2009.
Training for youth on low cost housing launched in Dar  
Dar es Salaam, 17 Sept 09
The Dar es Salaam Habitat Youth Centre and its subcontractor, the National Housing Research and Building Agency together with City Temeke municipality have started a professional training for youth on low cost construction.
Tears of joy as Nairobi slum dwellers move  
Nairobi, 17 Sept 09
John Kiarie was ecstatic. For the first time in his life he was going to live in a self contained house with running water and electricity.
UN-HABITAT backs innovative funding for eastern Europe  
Warsaw, 14 Sept 09
Facing financial turmoil, countries of central, eastern and southeast Europe have asked UN-HABITAT’s support for innovative funding solutions for affordable housing.
Nigerian police, experts discuss urban safety  
Abuja, 9 Sept 09
Over 200 Nigerian police officers are gathered in Abuja for a training aimed at bettering their skills in maintaining law and order in urban areas.
New German Envoy Presents Credentials to Tibaijuka  
Nairobi, 9 Sept 09
The new Permanent Representative of the Federal Republic of Germany to UN-HABITAT, who is also the country’s Ambassador to Kenya, Mrs. Margit Hellwig-Bötte, presented her credentials to the Executive Director, Mrs. Anna Tibaijuka on 4 September.
UN-HABITAT renews cooperation with Israel  
Nairobi, 7 Sept 09
UN-HABITAT and Israel’s National Agency for International Development Cooperation – MASHAV have renewed their cooperation agreement.
Gender training on local governance takes off in Israel  
Haifa, 3 Sept 09
A comprehensive two-week gender course for trainers of local governments is underway in Haifa, Israel.
Kenyan youth trained in Hydraform building technology  
Kitui,Kenya, 1 Sept 09
Some 30 youths drawn from Kenyan slums have started a training course in a low cost building technology, the result of partnership between UN-HABITAT and a local children’s home.
Professionals discuss city planning  
Nairobi, 27 Aug 09
A group of 28 urban professionals from 18 countries in Africa, Asia and South America gathered in Nairobi from Monday for the third edition of ‘Sustainable Communities’ course on how to use city planning as a tool for sustainable development.
UN-HABITAT scales up its work in the occupied Palestinian territory  
Jerusalem, 25 Aug 09
Following a resolution adopted by consensus at the 22nd session of UN-HABITAT Governing Council in April 2009 on the Special Human Settlements Programme for the Palestinian People, UN-HABITAT this week started to scale up its activities in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt).
Photographing the dynamics of fast growing cities  
Nairobi, Kenya, 24 Aug 09
UN-HABITAT has undertaken a worldwide photographic campaign to capture the contemporary dynamics of the city, with a special focus on the interactions between citizens and their urban landscape.
Global Water Operators' Partnerships Alliance organizes seminar on its successes  
Stockholm, 16 Aug 09
The Global Water Operators' Partnerships Alliance organized a seminar on August 16 at the Stockholm International Water Week in cooperation with International Water Association (IWA), Asian Development Bank (ADB), Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), USAID-Advancing the Blue Revolution Initiative (USAID-ABRI) and Arab Countries Water Utilities Association (ACWUA).
Urban Profiling Workshop held in Jamaica  
Kingston, 14 Aug 09
A four-day urban profiling workshop was conducted in Kingston, Jamaica by UN-HABITAT’s Regional Office for Africa and the Arab States and the Training and Capacity Building Branch, with support from the University of West Indies (UWI).
Urban Profiling Workshop held in Jamaica  
Kingston, 14 Aug 09
A four-day urban profiling workshop was conducted in Kingston, Jamaica by UN-HABITAT’s Regional Office for Africa and the Arab States and the Training and Capacity Building Branch, with support from the University of West Indies (UWI).
Seminar on Mali’s National Housing Strategy ends  
Bamako, Mali, 6 Aug 09
An evaluation seminar on the National Housing Strategy for Mali ended on a positive note in Bamako today.
Advisory Group to assess alleged evictions in United States  
Nairobi, 30 Jul 09
The Advisory Group on Forced Evictions (AGFE) is currently undertaking a fact-finding mission to the city of New Orleans, in the United States.
A new start in Iraq  
Baghdad, 27 Jul 09
UN-HABITAT joined the government of Iraq on Monday to launch a new USD 70 million programme that will focus on urban governance, housing, infrastructure and basic services as the country recovers from years of conflict.
Kenyan government donates land for new homes  
Nairobi, 27 Jul 09
Kenya’s Ministry of Lands has granted UN-HABITAT title to almost 55 acres to be used to build affordable housing and to improve the livelihoods of people living and working in slums.
UN-HABITAT concerned at South African riots  
Nairobi, 24 Jul 09
UN-HABITAT said Friday it was concerned at riots over housing and basic services that have rocked South African townships this week.
Mrs. Tibaijuka delivers Gandhi Memorial Lecture  
Nairobi, 23 Jul 09
UN-HABITAT Executive Director Mrs. Anna Tibaijuka on Wednesday delivered the 10th Gandhi Memorial Lecture at the University of Nairobi.
African Union endorses new land policy  
Sirte, Libya, 22 Jul 09
Heads of State and Government of the African Union have adopted a new set of policy guidelines to ensure that landless people, women, youth, displaced people and other vulnerable groups have equitable access to land.
Coca Cola partnership yields water  
New Delhi, 22 Jul 09
A number of schools and municipalities in India are benefiting from improved water and sanitation, thanks to the efforts of the beverage giant Coca Cola.
Partnerships crucial for solid waste management  
Homa Bay, Kenya, 22 Jul 09
Progress towards achieving the sanitation targets of the Millennium Development Goals requires broad cooperation and consultation through public and private partnerships, community involvement, and public awareness, Kenya’s Assistant Minister for Public Health and Sanitation Dr. James Gesami has said.
Mrs. Tibaijuka signs climate petition  
Geneva, 22 Jul 09
The Executive Director of UN-Habitat, Mrs. Anna Tibaijuka, signed the “Seal the Deal” climate change petition to reminding world leaders to negotiate a fair, balanced and effective agreement at the Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Copenhagen in December 2009.
Latin American, Caribbean Housing Ministers in Jamaica  
Montego Bay, St. James, 20 Jul 09
Latin American and Caribbean Ministers of Housing and Urbanization and other top government representatives from the region last week attended the 18th General Assembly of Ministers and High Level Authorities on Housing and Urbanization (MINURVI) at Montego Bay, St. James, Jamaica.
Washington gears up for World Habitat Day  
Washington, 16 Jul 09
Around 50 people from over 20 organizations met at the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offices to discuss plans for the main celebration of World Habitat Day on 5 October 2009.
UN-HABITAT to aid displaced populations in the Great Lakes Region  
Nairobi, 14 Jul 09
Mrs. Anna Tibaijuka, Executive Director of UN-HABITAT and Ambassador Liberata Mulamula, Executive Secretary of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Friday 10 July 2009.
New UN-HABITAT library initiative for poor communities  
Nairobi,Kenya, 13 Jul 09
UN-HABITAT and the Kenya National Library Services have signed a new library deal whereby cargo containers will be used to serve poor communities. The idea of the Container Library Project, a first of its kind in Kenya, is to help people living in informal settlements get access to reading material, business and education opportunities.
UN-HABITAT says civil society must be involved in disaster planning  
Tijuana, 10 Jul 09
UN-HABITAT warned an international seminar in the Mexican city of Tijuana this month that it is essential for ordinary people to be better informed on how to deal with post-disaster situations.
Premier business forum roots for greater collaboration  
New Delhi, 9 Jul 09
A premier business forum bringing together UN-HABITAT and the corporate world closed in New Delhi on Thursday with calls for greater collaboration between the two entities.
Arab Youth speak out on Urban Issues  
Aleppo, 8 Jul 09
Arab youth, researchers and practitioners from across the Middle East and North Africa convened in Aleppo, Syria last week to share lessons learned and best practices related to vulnerable and margnalized children and youth in the region.
Conference on land and housing held in Goma, DR Congo  
Goma, 7 Jul 09
The Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), UNHCR and UN-HABITAT last week organised a conference to discuss the issue of land, housing and property for returning refugees and internally displaced persons.
After decades of civil war, UN-HABITAT helps with a new start in Northern Uganda  
Lira, 6 Jul 09
UN-HABITAT Executive Director, Mrs Anna Tibaijuka last week attended a ceremony on in Northern Uganda, to celebrate the completion and presentation to the district of Lira of 64 new homes for teachers built by UN-HABITAT for 16 schools accommodating some 10,000 pupils.
New Iranian envoy presents credentials to Tibaijuka  
Nairobi, 3 Jul 09
The new Permanent Representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran to UN-HABITAT, Mr. Seyed Ali Sharifi Sadati, on Thursday presented his credentials to the Executive Director, Mrs. Anna Tibaijuka.
Gender experts review reports on women’s empowerment  
Nairobi, 1 Jul 09
Experts from all over the world converged in Nairobi today for a three-day meeting to review reports on a global assessment of gender mainstreaming in local governance.
Innovative fund proves a big hit with global youth groups  
Nairobi, 30 Jun 09
The innovative youth fund launched by UN-HABITAT has proved immensely popular, attracting applications from youth groups scattered from nearly all corners of the globe.
New agreement signed between Sweden and UN-HABITAT  
Stockholm, 30 Jun 09
The government of Sweden, represented by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), and UN-HABITAT have agreed to enter into a Program Cooperation Agreement for 2009-2011.
A day at the market for North Lebanon residents  
Nahr El Bared, 30 Jun 09
For the victims of the 2007 conflict in Nahr El Bared, there are better reasons to look forward to market day, thanks to a new local mart targeting producers, farmers and craftsmen.
Urban dwellers highlight pollution, transport and unemployment  
Nairobi, 29 Jun 09
Pollution, transport and unemployment top the list of key concerns which urban dwellers face daily in many countries, a new survey by UN-HABITAT has revealed.
UN sports envoy visits UN-HABITAT  
Nairobi,Kenya, 22 Jun 09
The Special Adviser to the UN Secretary-General on Sport for Development and Peace, Mr. Wilfried Lemke, held talks with officials at UN-HABITAT headquarters in Nairobi last week to explore new ways of using sports to help improve the lives of young people living in poverty.
Mrs. Tibaijuka wins prestigious environmental award  
Göteborg, Sweden, 22 Jun 09
UN-HABITAT’s Executive Director Mrs. Anna Tibaijuka has been named one of three winners of the 2009 Göteborg Award, the prestigious “Nobel Prize in Environment”.
Brazilian President pledges support for WUF5  
Rio de Janeiro, 18 Jun 09
Government at UN-HABITAT's Committee of Permanent Representatives applauded Brazilian President Lula da Silva government’s commitment for a successful World Urban Forum . The Forum will be held in March 2010.
UN-HABITAT brings together water and sanitation operators  
Medellin, 18 Jun 09
Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the International Water Association (IWA) and UN-HABITAT recently facilitated a matchmaking workshop in Medellin, Colombia for twining between water and sanitation operators in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC)
China, UN-HABITAT pledge to work for closer cooperation  
Nairobi, 12 Jun 09
The Government of the People’s Republic of China and UN-HABITAT have pledged to further strengthen the existing cooperation between them.
Ministers call for greater attention to urbanization  
Nairobi, 11 Jun 09
The first tripartite African Caribbean and Pacific (ACP), European Commission and UN-HABITAT conference ended yesterday with a resounding call to the international community to pay greater attention to the issues of sustainable urbanization.
Flagship report in Arabic launched  
Bahrain, 7 Jun 09
UN-HABITAT's flagship report, the State of the World’s Cities is now available in Arabic, thanks to funding and support provided by the Government of Bahrain.
Countdown to Expo 2010  
Geneva, 5 Jun 09
The Mayor of Shanghai, Mr. Han Zheng, visited Geneva at the weekend to promote Expo 2010 and meet with senior officials responsible for the Expo's giant United Nations pavilion.
UN-HABITAT and UNIFEM fighting violence against women  
New York, 4 Jun 09
UN-HABITAT and UNIFEM this week signed a global pact to tackle violence against women and girls in the world’s cities.
UN-HABITAT’s first business awards  
Beijing, 4 Jun 09
An international jury has announced the first Habitat Business Awards for best practices.
Experts review State of Asian Cities Report  
Chiang Mai, 3 Jun 09
Experts from four major international agencies met in Thailand on June 1-3 to review progress in the preparation of the first State of Asian Cities Report.
UN-HABITAT and UNHCR assist the displaced and host families in Pakistan  
Islamabad, 29 May 09
UN-HABITAT and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) have joined forces to provide shelter and other supplies to hundreds of thousands of people displaced by fighting in Pakistan’s North West Frontier Province.
Tibaijuka assures Sri Lanka of support in reconstruction efforts  
Nairobi, 28 May 09
UN-HABITAT Executive Director, Mrs. Anna Tibaijuka, has assured the Government and people of Sri Lanka that UN-HABITAT would be fully involved in the reconstruction efforts in the country after 27 years of civil war.
Global crisis hurts housing for the poor  
Sussex, 25 May 09
UN-HABITAT Executive Director, Mrs. Anna Tibaijuka, called on international financiers to focus more on the continuing problems of affordable housing and finance in developing countries.
Improving literacy in Afghanistan  
Kabul, 22 May 09
UN-HABITAT and USAID have joined forces in a new drive to improve Afghanistan’s literacy rate, which after years of conflict is one of the lowest in the world.
Obama Administration to host World Habitat Day in Washington, D.C.  
Washington, 21 May 09
The Obama Administration will co-host with UN-HABITAT the global celebrations of World Habitat Day in Washington, D.C. on 5 October 2009.
Cities at the climate change frontline  
Seoul, 19 May 09
UN-HABITAT's Executive Director and former US President Bill Clinton on Tuesday joined delegates from cities around the world to press home the message that action on climate change has to be implemented in cities.
Experts discuss housing in Central Asia  
Dushanbe, 18 May 09
Experts drawn from various countries and agencies met in Dushanbe, Tajikistan to discuss affordable housing challenges in Central Asia.
UN-HABITAT officials brief British legislators  
London, 13 May 09
Two senior UN-HABITAT officials, Paul Taylor and Michael Mutter were invited to make presentations on urbanization and poverty to members of the British parliamentary International Development Committee.
A glittering ceremony for Dubai award winners  
Dubai, 13 May 09
Twelve lucky winners from around the world were this week each handed a USD 30,000 cash prize, a gilted wind tower and a certificate for their work in promoting a better urban future in a glittering ceremony marking the seventh Dubai International Award for Best Practices.
Using the Olympics to promote a better urban future  
Lausanne, 13 May 09
The Olympic movement last week committed itself at a meeting with UN agencies to use its influence to promote peace and development through sports events it organizes around the world.
Malawi discusses new housing for the poor  
Lilongwe, 12 May 09
Some 65 experts gathered in Malawi’s capital Lilongwe recently to discuss ways of improving housing delivery for the poor as part of a new Malawi National Housing Policy.
Speaking out on urbanisation, food and cities  
New York, 12 May 09
UN-HABITAT Executive Director, Mrs. Anna Tibaijuka, hosted a special meeting for delegates attending the 17th session of the UN Commission on Sustainable Development this month at which she explained that the urbanization of our planet is unstoppable.
Alarm at access to new buildings for the disabled  
Beirut, 11 May 09
Thousands of people with physical disabilities are unable to access new buildings being reconstructed in Southern Lebanon, according to a new report released here.
A Special Message from the Secretary General  
New York, 8 May 09
With half of humanity now living in an urban environment, the world is at the dawn of a new urban era. Expo 2010 in Shanghai, under the theme “Better City, Better Life”, is the first global exposition dedicated to the potential and the problems of urban living in the 21st century.
A new office in Iran  
Tehran, 2 May 09
A new UN-HABITAT Disaster Mitigation Office was officially opened on Saturday in the Iranian capital. The opening ceremony was held at the premises provided and equipped by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.
Ministers hail UN-HABITAT Lake Victoria project  
Entebbe, Uganda, 27 Apr 09
Ministers responsible for water in East Africa have backed a proposal to expand a UN-HABITAT initiative aimed at benefiting towns in the region.
Mekong region governments commit to UN-HABITAT initiative  
Hanoi, 22 Apr 09
After a highly successful meeting, representatives from a group of countries from Mekong region reaffirmed their commitment to an initiative by UN-HABITAT aiming to provide water and sanitations to their citizens.
Young people lobby governments hard  
Nairobi, 7 Apr 09
Young people joined UN-HABITAT and its partners for a week of hard lobbying of member governments in the Governing Council that oversees the agency’s work programme. Their message: with ever growing numbers of young people in the world’s growing cities, young voices must be heeded.
UN-HABITAT gives Somaliland tax collector a big boost  
Nairobi, 3 Apr 09
A Geographic Information System (GIS) established in Hargeisa Municipality with technical assistance from UN-HABITAT has helped to increase annual property tax revenues by 248 percent, from USD169,062 in 2005 to USD588,754 in 2008.
Latin America discusses Safer Cities  
Nairobi, 3 Apr 09
Participants from Latin America and Caribbean countries at the twenty-second session of the UN-HABITAT Governing Council held a meeting where security in urban centres was discussed.
Curtain falls on successful Governing Council  
Nairobi, 3 Apr 09
The curtain came down on Friday on the 22nd Session of the Governing Council of UN-HABITAT which was described as the most successful ever in the agency’s history.
UN-HABITAT avails funds for pro-poor housing  
Nairobi, 2 Apr 09
In an attempt to confront the current economic crisis by encouraging pro-poor investment in housing, Mrs. Anna Tibaijuka, Executive Director of UN-HABITAT, today signed six agreements with project partners from Argentina, Bangladesh, Kenya, Nepal, Tanzania and Uganda with the aim of providing funds for affordable housing and infrastructure.
Zimbabwe to prioritise housing in reconstruction  
Nairobi, 2 Apr 09
The government of Zimbabwe will prioritise housing provision in its reconstruction efforts, a cabinet minister disclosed here today.
Housing for the poor can be bankable  
Nairobi, 1 Apr 09
Even during the worst financial crisis in eighty years, it is still possible to provide finance for houses for the poor, participants at the 22nd Session of the Governing Council of UN-HABITAT concluded on Monday.
Free access to environment research for developing countries  
Nairobi, 1 Apr 09
Almost fifty Governing Council delegates attended a briefing on how to get free access to environmental research through the On-line Access to Research on the Environment initiative.
Rio de Janeiro gears up for World Urban Forum  
Nairobi, 31 Mar 09
The Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro on Monday formally started preparations of the world’s premier conference on cities which it will host 22-26 March next year under the banner, bridging the urban divide.
Enormous support for books in slums  
Nairobi, 31 Mar 09
UN-HABITAT received many pledges from United Nations staff, organizations and Governing Council delegates to give books and audio visual material for communities in slums in response the agency’s Book into the future appeal.
Russian Federation to strengthen cooperation with UN-HABITAT  
Nairobi, 31 Mar 09
The Russian Federation is planning to enhance cooperation with UN-HABITAT by establishing an office in Moscow which will also serve the greater Commonwealth of Independent States region. A Habitat Programme Manager has already been appointed to work on the parameters of the engagement.
World professionals urge closer cooperation  
Nairobi, 30 Mar 09
The world’s professionals are challenging governments and community organisations to join with them in addressing the global economic problems.
UN-HABITAT Governing Council promotes affordable housing finance  
Nairobi, 30 Mar 09
Delegates from over 101 countries on Monday gathered in Nairobi, Kenya for the opening of the week-long 22nd Governing Council of UN-HABITAT at which governments set the agency’s budget and work programme.
Swedish support for urban policing  
Nairobi, 29 Mar 09
Police departments in urban centres are being encouraged to have closer collaboration with local authorities and communities, thanks to a new initiative by UN-HABITAT and the Swedish National Police Board.
UN-HABITAT’s governing body to meet  
Nairobi, 27 Mar 09
Against a backdrop of growing concerns at the impact of climate change and the global financial crisis that has jolted the housing sector, UN-HABITAT made final preparations for a weeklong meeting of governments that will set the agency’s work programme and budget for the next two years.
UN-HABITAT signs partnership deal with International Water Association  
Istanbul, 25 Mar 09
UN-HABITAT and the International Water Association have signed an agreement to strengthen their cooperation in a renewed effort to attain the Millennium Development Goals.
A new UN-HABITAT youth fund  
Nairobi, 25 Mar 09
Youth-led organizations working to improve to improve urban living conditions in developing countries can now seek financing for their projects through a new UN-HABITAT fund provided by Norway, the agency announced on Wednesday.
India’s urbanization chief calls for harmonious city development  
New Delhi, 23 Mar 09
A world that urbanizes cannot claim to be harmonious if some groups concentrate resources and opportunities while others remain impoverished and marginalized, India’s Secretary for Urban Development, Mr. M. Ramachandran has said.
Saudi Arabia, UN-HABITAT to rebuild Gaza Homes  
Beirut, 23 Mar 09
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and UN-HABITAT have signed an agreement to reconstruct homes destroyed in Gaza.
Japan to fund UN-HABITAT Myanmar rehabilitation  
Fukuoka, Japan, 19 Mar 09
The Government of Japan will fund a UN-HABITAT project to assist victims of the cyclone Nargis disaster in Myanmar, to the tune of USD4 million.
UN-HABITAT opens office in Kuwait  
Kuwait City, 16 Mar 09
UN-HABITAT has opened a new office in Kuwait City aimed at supporting the agency’s activities in the region.
UN-HABITAT to establish national office in Angola  
Luanda, 12 Mar 09
UN-HABITAT and the government of Angola on Thursday signed an agreement that will allow the agency to establish a national office in that country.
UN-HABITAT inspired Kilimanjaro initiative marks four years  
Nairobi, 11 Mar 09
31 people including youths from Kenya, Tanzania and Ghana recently climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, as part of a youth upliftment drive backed by UN-HABITAT.
Women from around the world gather in Monrovia  
Monrovia, 9 Mar 09
Over 800 women leaders from all over the world gathered in Monrovia, Liberia at the weekend to ensure that gender concerns remain high on the international agenda.
UN-HABITAT and European Union team up in Central African Republic  
Bangui, 5 Mar 09
UN-HABITAT and the EU have launched a new infrastructure development project in the Central African Republic.
Mayors of African capital cities conclude watershed meeting in Nairobi  
Nairobi, Kenya, 2 Mar 09
Mayors from 31 African countries concluded a two-day meeting in Nairobi, Vowing to enhance efforts in Climate Change.
Former US President Bill Clinton meets Mrs. Tibaijuka  
Austin, Texas, 24 Feb 09
Former US President Bill Clinton and UN-HABITAT Executive Director, Mrs. Anna Tibaijuka met recently at a high profile event organised by the Clinton Global Initiative – University.
Pan-African language conference opens  
Nairobi, 23 Feb 09
Delegates from around the world gathered in Nairobi on Monday for the first pan-African conference on the training of translators and interpreters.
UN-HABITAT mourns death of Habitat for Humanity founder  
Nairobi, Kenya, 18 Feb 09
UN-HABITAT Executive Director, Mrs. Anna Tibaijuka has paid a special tribute to the memory of Mr. Millard Fuller.
New Envoys from Tunisia and Morocco present Credentials to Tibaijuka  
Nairobi, Kenya, 18 Feb 09
The new Permanent Representatives of Tunisia to UN-HABITAT, Mr. Hatem Atallah, and his counterpart from Morocco, Mr. Abdelilah Benryane, on Tuesday presented their credentials to the Executive Director, Mrs. Anna Tibaijuka.
UN-HABITAT launches project to improve sanitation facilities for poor women in Lake Victoria region  
Lake victoria, Kenya, 17 Feb 09
UN-HABITAT has launched a project in the Lake Victoria region to help accelerate access to improved sanitation for poor women and vulnerable households through a micro credit/revolving fund scheme.
Kenyan President opens UNEP Governing Council urging a "Green New Deal”  
Nairobi, Kenya, 17 Feb 09
President Mwai Kibaki of Kenya formally opened the 25th Session of the Governing Council of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
UN-HABITAT to boost Chad mission  
Nairobi, 13 Feb 09
UN-HABITAT announced on Friday that it would send a delegation to Chad to discuss the best ways of supporting the UN mission in its work there.
Hungarian envoy presents credentials to Tibaijuka  
Nairobi, Kenya, 10 Feb 09
The new Permanent Representative of Hungary to UN-HABITAT, Mr. Sandor Juhasz, on Monday presented his credentials to the Executive Director, Mrs. Anna Tibaijuka. Speaking at the occasion, the Executive Director commended the cordial relations existing between Hungary and UN-HABITAT, which dates back more than thirty years. She recalled that initially, the main area of UN-HABITAT collaboration with the country was the work of Habitat Information Centre for East and Central Europe which was created in November 1980.
UN staff launch charity drive for millions starving in Kenya  
Nairobi, Kenya, 9 Feb 09
The United Nations headquarters in Kenya on Monday launched a charity drive to help millions of people facing starvation in their host country.
UN-HABITAT and Olympic body sign historic cooperation pact  
Lausanne, 5 Feb 09
UN-HABITAT and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Thursday signed Memorandum of Understanding.
Baghdad Housing Press Brief  
Baghdad, 30 Jan 09
The Iraqi Ministry of Construction and Housing organized the first National Housing Conference in Baghdad on 14 and 15 January 2009.
Pamela Mboya, former Kenyan permanent representative dies  
Nairobi,, 29 Jan 09
Mrs. Pamela Mboya, who served as Kenya’s Permanent Representative to Representative to UN-HABITAT in the late 1980s, died on Monday night while undergoing treatment at a South African hospital. On receiving the news of the death of the 70 year old former diplomat, UN-HABITAT Executive Director Mrs. Anna Tibaijuka expressed her shock and praised Mrs. Mboya for her commitment to the agency.
Barcelona hosts cities policy forum  
Barcelona, Spain, 27 Jan 09
The City of Barcelona and the World Organization of United Cities and Local Governments hosted the Cities Alliance Annual Public Policy Forum, on 20 and 21 January, which this year focused on ways to improve the effectiveness of development aid. Local and regional government representatives, donor agency representatives and development institutions agreed...
UN-HABITAT extends a helping hand to Gaza  
NewYork, 23 Jan 09
UN-HABITAT is to field a mission to Gaza to assess the damage and to take part in the early recovery programme as part of the larger UN assessment team which was initiated earlier this week by the UN Secretary-General of the UN, Ban Ki-moon after his visit to the region. In a statement issued in New York, the Executive Director Mrs. Anna Tibaijuka said: “In line with UN-HABITAT’s technical mandate...
Palestinian Envoy Presents Credentials to Tibaijuka  
Nairobi, 21 Jan 09
The new Permanent Representative of the Palestine to UN-HABITAT, Dr. Zuhair Al-Shun on Monday presented his credentials to the Executive Director, Mrs. Anna Tibaijuka.
 
Site Map | Site Directory | Contact Us | Feedback | Terms & Conditions | Fraud and scam alert