SUMMARY OF PLENARY DISCUSSION AND OUTCOMES | 29 JUNE - 1 JULY 2021
First Daily Journal
On Tuesday, 29 June 2021, the first open-ended high-level midterm review of the Committee of Permanent Representatives (CPR) commenced whereby a few representatives attended in person and other delegates joined online.
Agenda item 1 - Opening of the meeting
The Chair of the CPR, H.E. Mr. Beyene Russom, Permanent Representative of the State of Eritrea to UN-Habitat, called the first open-ended high-level midterm review of the CPR to order and welcomed participants and delegates.
In her opening statement, Ms. Zainab Hawa Bangura, Director-General of the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) recalled that it was the first CPR meeting since the reform of UN-Habitat’s governance structure and the establishment of the UN-Habitat Assembly through General Assembly Resolution 73/239. She stressed her appreciation to the Government of Kenya for extending the vaccination programme to the United Nations community and for the Government’s support in building a new hospital facility in the fight against COVID-19. She further highlighted the importance of UN-Habitat’s mandate particularly at a time when cities are at the frontline of the fight against COVID-19.
UN-Habitat’s Executive Director Ms. Maimunah Mohd Sharif delivered her welcoming remarks during which she recalled the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic worldwide, with particular emphasis on affected urban areas. She underscored the relevance of UN-Habitat’s mandate and the need to help cities and communities build back in a better, greener and fairer manner.
The Executive Director reaffirmed the robustness of the UN-Habitat Strategic Plan 2020-2023 which was approved by Member States in May 2019. She expressed her appreciation to the CPR Bureau for all the preparation towards the first high-level midterm review.
H.E. Mr. Volkan Bozkir, President of the 75th Session of the General Assembly gave his opening address at the United Nations Headquarters in Nairobi. He thanked the Executive Director for the invitation to the very first open-ended high-level midterm review and expressed his gratitude to the Republic of Kenya for the hospitality and hosting the substantial presence of the UN in Nairobi.
The President of the General Assembly commended the efforts by UN-Habitat to support cities in their response plan to the global pandemic. He stressed the importance of land-based revenue to fund green recovery and urged Member States to fund the Strategic Plan. He emphasized the critical actions of local governments for the achievement of the SDGs and called on global leaders to raise the significance of sustainable urbanization with a specific focus on greening cities, addressing the digital divide, and investing in sustainable infrastructure. He further emphasized that the High-Level Meeting to be convened during the 76th session of the UN General Assembly in 2022 on the implementation of the New Urban Agenda will be a watershed moment for the international community to reaffirm its commitment to sustainable urbanization. Finally, he encouraged delegates to participate in the Regional Forums for Sustainable Development that will be hosted by the respective Regional Economic Commissions in the months leading up to the high-level meeting.
Ms. Martha Delgado, President of the UN-Habitat Assembly, in her video message indicated that the high-level midterm review was a unique opportunity to reflect on the progress of UN-Habitat’s work and on potential adjustments to the new reality on the ground. She emphasized the importance of multilateralism as a strong instrument in the fight against COVID-19.
She stressed the need to further support UN-Habitat, both in its normative and operational work. She congratulated the Programme for taking center stage in the global debate on the COVID-19 pandemic and for guiding cities in their recovery responses. She encouraged a territorial response to the pandemic including adapting it to the local level.
Honourable Farida Karoney, Cabinet Secretary for Lands and Physical Planning of the Republic of Kenya, on behalf of His Excellency Mr. Uhuru Kenyatta, President of the Republic of Kenya, delivered his opening statement. In the statement, the President welcomed the first high-level midterm review of the CPR as a sign of transformative progress in the governance of UN-Habitat. The President acknowledged the meeting as an opportunity to identify gaps and provide guidance for the implementation of the second phase of UN-Habitat’s Strategic Plan.
The President recalled the continuous support of Kenya to UN-Habitat through core contributions and called upon Member States to contribute to non-earmarked funding and upon the Secretary-General to increase the regular budget of the Programme. The President also noted that Kenya has submitted its first voluntary quadrennial report on the implementation of the New Urban Agenda and encouraged submission by other Member States.
The President also welcomed the planned dialogue on cities and pandemics as an important part of the agenda for the meeting. The President particularly took note of the report on the progress in the implementation of resolution 1/2 related to the United Nations Systemwide Guidelines on Safer Cities and Human Settlements, adopted in May 2019 by the UN-Habitat Assembly at tis first session noting the importance to address urban crime.
On behalf of the President of the Republic of Kenya, the Cabinet Secretary declared the first open-ended high-level midterm review of the Committee of Permanent Representatives officially opened.
(a) Organizational matters
The chair of the CPR briefed participants on the work conducted by the Bureau of the CPR in preparation of the meeting and shared with participants the organization of work for the three-day meeting.
(b) Adoption of the agenda and the workplan for the first open-ended meeting of the Committee of Permanent Representatives for a high-level midterm review.
The agenda (HSP/OECPR.2021/1) and the workplan for the first open-ended meeting of the Committee of Permanent Representatives for a high-level midterm review were adopted.
Statements by regional groups
Group 77 and China
H.E. Mrs. Agrina Mussa, High Commissioner of the Republic of Malawi, gave her statement on behalf of the Group of 77 and China. The group took note of the various proposed outcomes of the meeting and stressed the important role played by the CPR in enhancing the effectiveness of UN-Habitat. The group recalled that the three new governing bodies of UN-Habitat have clearly defined mandates.
The Group stressed the important role of the CPR in the mandate, governance and operations of UN-Habitat in order to achieve sustainable human settlements, urbanization and rural development. The Group emphasized that the CPR needs to be kept abreast of all the developments taking place in UN-Habitat in order for the Group to effectively and efficiently deliver its oversight mandate. The Group expressed concerns with attempts which may appear as minimizing and downplaying the role of the CPR and gave the example of what the Group considers as actions that could weaken the nature and scope of outcomes of this high-level mid-term review, in this newly formed governance structure.
The Group commended the Secretariat for the progress in the implementation of the New Urban Agenda and drew attention to the need to support developing countries, particularly countries in post-conflict contexts. The Group emphasized the importance of the capacity building and resource mobilization strategies of UN-Habitat. The Group found the latter particularly critical given the financial situation of UN-Habitat. The Group commended the Executive Director and her staff in the efficient organization of the meeting.
European Union
Ms. Katrin Hagemann provided a statement, on behalf of the European Union and its Member States, to which Serbia and Ukraine aligned. Ms. Hagemann noted the relevance of the continuous implementation of the New Urban Agenda and underlined the various actions taking place in the European Union in this regard. She also underlined the importance to address challenges and opportunities in rural areas, which are crucial for the development of urban areas.
She highlighted the New Leipzig Charter, a new framework adopted by the EU and setting principles for place-based approaches and multi-level governance for a better quality of life in cities.
She recalled the assistance of the EU development cooperation to different partners countries and cities and the support for city-to-city partnerships. She noted the commitment by the EU to support the monitoring of the SDGs at the local level through Voluntary Local Reviews.
African Group
H.E. Mr. Chol Ajongo, Ambassador of the Republic of South Sudan, gave a statement on behalf of the African Group. The African Group particularly appreciated the high-level participation at this meeting.
While the Group supports innovative ways to conduct work during the pandemic, it wished negotiations on possible draft outcomes to be adopted by the CPR would have been in person because it felt that virtual negotiations could have the potential to undermine the principles of equal participation. When agreeing to the current governance structure, the Group highlighted that it envisaged a platform for all Member States to deliberate and take decisions to strengthen the Programme.
The Group took particular interest in the implementation of the resource mobilization strategy and urged Member States to continue to provide non-earmarked voluntary contributions in order to avoid UN-Habitat becoming a project-based organization.
The Group took note of the report on the implementation of the decisions and resolutions of the UN-Habitat Assembly adopted in May 2019, particularly since two resolutions were sponsored by the African Group, namely Resolution 1/2 on United Nations System-Wide Guidelines on Safer Cities and Human Settlements and Resolution 1/5 on enhancing urban-rural linkages for sustainable urbanization and human settlements.
Group of Latin America and Caribbean Countries (GRULAC)
Mr. Sebastian Nicolino, Deputy Permanent Representative of Argentina, delivered a statement on behalf of GRULAC. The Group stated that it valued the meeting of the CPR and highlighted that the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a rethink and a readaptation of workplans. The Group, therefore, valued the inclusion in the meeting of an agenda item on the COVID-19 global pandemic.
The group stated that it was aware of the financial limitations of the Programme and called on Member States to make their voluntary financial contributions, recalling General Assembly Resolution 75/224 which addresses the importance to work towards the financial stability of the Programme.
Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Mr. Asif Choudhury, Deputy Permanent Representative of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to UN-Habitat, delivered a statement on behalf of WEOG. The Group reaffirmed its support to the mandate of UN-Habitat and commended the Programme’s efforts to align itself to the overall UN planning cycles and to contribute to Common Country Analyses.
The Group encouraged UN-Habitat to ensure that an external review of the Strategic Plan is conducted prior to future high-level mid-term reviews of the CPR. The group stated, however, that it understood that an external evaluation of the current strategic plan implementation is envisioned for 2022 and requested that the evaluation be shared with the Executive Board at the appropriate time in 2022. The Group welcomed a reflection on UN-Habitat’s role in the broader UN system.
The Group indicated that it would have preferred a working-level mid-term review of the CPR and noted that certain agenda items under the midterm review were better adapted to an Executive Board meeting. The Group requested that appropriate time be allocated for a substantive dialogue between Member States during the CPR midterm review.
National statements
Oman reiterated its support to the implementation of the New Urban Agenda and indicated that the government had put in place initiatives and policies related to the New Urban Agenda.
Turkey highlighted the importance of the mandate of UN-Habitat. Turkey further highlighted its national efforts to provide safe and sufficient housing and indicated that it was ready to share its expertise and knowledge with other countries facing similar issues. Turkey recalled the recent visit of the UN-Habitat Executive Director to Turkey and the nomination of Her Excellency Madam Emine Erdogan, the First Lady of Turkey, as a Champion of the Waste Wise Cities global programme.
Egypt indicated its alignment with the statements of G77 and China and the African Group and stressed the need to fully respect the role of the three governance bodies of UN-Habitat. Egypt commended the work of UN-Habitat, particularly during the Covid-19 global pandemic. Egypt underlined its voluntary contribution for 2020 and urged other Member States to do the same. Egypt thanked the UN-Habitat Regional Office for the Arab States based in Cairo for their work in Egypt and in other Arab countries and further reminded delegates that the city of Luxor would host the World Cities Day on 31 October 2021.
Italy aligned itself with the WEOG statement and informed that the Government of Italy had recently considered its contribution to UN-Habitat for 2021. Italy informed that the foreign and development Ministers of the G20 were meeting concurrently in Italy, where financing local development was also being discussed. Italy noted that the city of Florence recently submitted its Voluntary Local Review, which demonstrates the country’s commitment to the localization of the SDGs.
Switzerland noted the positive support of Member States to UN-Habitat’s transformative change both at headquarters and in the field. Switzerland encouraged that for the future an external review of the Strategic Plan should be done prior to the CPR high-level midterm review. Switzerland indicated it had supported different projects since the approval of the 2020-2023 Strategic Plan, contributing up to USD 20 million and stressed the untapped potential of UN-Habitat’s role in the policy area of sustainable urban development and further welcomed the taskforce on the Future of Cities. Switzerland expressed confidence that the midterm review was an opportunity for UN-Habitat to regain the trust of Member States for further funding and that UN-Habitat should reassess its sub-programmes to align with funds available. Switzerland stated that it would welcome more focused programme of work to be presented during the Executive Board meetings.
USA stated that it fully aligned itself with the statement delivered by the United Kingdom on the behalf of WEOG. USA raised concerns related to the lack of engagement of Member States in the preparation of the CPR meeting. USA requested that these meetings be prepared in a transparent and consultative manner in the future. USA stated that in its view the Executive Board meetings would have been an avenue for consultations towards the preparations for the CPR high-level midterm review. The USA noted that the midterm review should assess the organization’s success in implementing its work programme as guided by the UN-Habitat Assembly decisions and the Strategic Plan. He also stated his country’s expectation that the meeting would provide guidance to the Executive Director and the Secretariat on the way forward given programmatic and budget shortfalls.
Agenda item 2 - Midterm review of the implementation of the strategic plan of UN-Habitat for the period 2020–2023
The Executive Director gave an update on results achieved so far in the implementation of the two first years of the UN-Habitat Strategic Plan 2020-2023, stressing that the integrated implementation of the Strategic Plan was constrained by the uneven funding of the four Domains of Change and the continuous lack of core funding. As a result, the ability of UN-Habitat to fulfil its mandate as the global normative lead on human settlements is impaired. The Executive Director proposed a recalibration of the Strategic Plan, taking also into account the challenges caused by the COVID-19 global pandemic.
UN-Habitat highlighted progress made to date in implementing the Strategic Plan 2020-2023, as follows:
The Implementation of the Strategic Plan 2020-2021: background and main results
UN-Habitat presented results achieved during the first two years of implementation of the Strategic Plan 2020-2023, which was endorsed by the Committee of Permanent Representatives in 2018 and approved by the United Nations Habitat Assembly in 2019. The Plan is grounded in a rights-based approach and commitment to leave no one and no place behind and also underscores the importance to deliver results and impact in an integrated approach in support of the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 11, and the New Urban Agenda. Institutional reforms such as UN-Habitat's new organizational structure, the recognition of its catalytic function, enhanced strategic partnerships, and the new regional architecture have been crucial to leverage this impact. UN-Habitat indicated that the Annual Report on the Strategic Plan for the year 2020 presents progress made towards planned results, measured against their indicator targets for 2020, at country, regional and global level.
An integrated approach to implementing the Strategic Plan 2020-2023
UN-Habitat presented its integrated approach towards maximizing impact in the implementation of the Strategic Plan and ultimately the realization of the global urban development agenda. UN-Habitat indicated that the integrated approach spans the four Domains of Change and the five flagship programmes. The Domains of Change are implemented in an interconnected manner to optimize resources and results, while the five cross-cutting global flagship programmes integrate UN-Habitat’s normative and operational work to bring about transformative change in cities and human settlements.
UN-Habitat indicated that although the flagship programmes have not progressed as anticipated due to low funding, there remains a potential to spur multi-dimensional and sustainable change given this strong integrated approach. An analysis of projects approved in 2021 showed a high level of integration of the portfolio of projects. The analysis also showed imbalance between the global normative and operational work, which is partly attributed to uneven funding. UN-Habitat indicated that it is exploring more opportunities to further strengthen integration in its portfolio, including the balance of normative and operational work.
Financial position and implications for implementation
UN-Habitat presented the financial status of UN-Habitat, showing that USD 193.7 million (76.6 per cent) of projected income has been mobilized. While regular budget allocations have remained constant, earmarked contributions increased by a significant 49.7 per cent. Non-earmarked contributions for core activities were low at 26 per cent of the annual target income (USD 4.9 million). UN-Habitat indicated that it is continuing efforts to increase core contributions as that it has implemented austerity measures to ensure that core expenditure do not exceed income projections and acquisition.
UN-Habitat further presented its financial performance by Domain of Change, showing that significant variation in funding affects a balanced implementation of the Strategic Plan. While income acquired for Spatial inequality and poverty (Domain of Change 1) and Urban crisis prevention and response (Domain of Change 4) almost met the funding target, income for Climate action and urban environment (Domain of Change 3) was relatively low and that for Prosperity for cities and regions (Domain of Change 2) was extremely low.
UN-Habitat indicated that underfunding had implications on staffing and reduced the capacity of the organization to fully deliver and meet demands at all levels.
Proposals on recalibration of the Strategic Plan
UN-Habitat highlighted that despite the challenges encountered, its Strategic Plan 2020-2023 remains relevant, alive, and fit for purpose. The Secretariat however deems it critical to recalibrate areas of work to rebalance investments and better respond to current and future demands. UN-Habitat proposed three lenses to inform consideration by Member States of the recalibration of the Strategic Plan :
- Responding to new vulnerabilities and risks in cities
- Preparing cities in terms of function and form to address potential risks and hazards, adapting to the future in terms of resilience and climate change
- Creating conditions for long-term social and economic city recovery
Potential areas for further support and development
UN-Habitat informed members of the CPR that it identified key areas of development in support of the implementation of the Strategic Plan until 2023, including the strengthening of data systems to enhance analytical capacities, the development of financial systems to better support facility investments in cities, and diversification of funding. UN-Habitat suggested that recalibrating the Strategic Plan for 2021-2023 is expected to create an enabling environment for long-term socio-economic, green, and just recovery which will require additional, different, and flexible funding across the portfolio and priorities.
UN-Habitat submitted the following proposed outcomes to be considered by Member States as part of the midterm review of the Plan:
- Review of the Strategic Plan as a document which remains relevant and valuable, providing a framework for recovery from the pandemic and a roadmap to achieving the SDGs.
- Consideration of three proposed lenses on new vulnerabilities, resilience, and sustainable recovery to inform decisions and advise the Executive Board on any needed review of the strategic plan and its implementation.
- Consideration of the need for additional funding, both earmarked and flexible, to support implementation of priority areas identified by the Committee of Permanent Representatives.
- Support for initiatives to further strengthen an integrated approach for implementing the Strategic Plan and the systems to monitor progress.
Interventions by Member States
Malaysia stated that the country supports the efforts by UN-Habitat to develop innovative approaches to diversify funding and develop cities for all. Malaysia recalled that the country organizes the Malaysian Urban Forum and are engaged in the roll out of Voluntary Local Reviews.
Costa Rica encouraged UN-Habitat to strengthen the four pillars of the Strategic Plan and supported the innovative and integrated approach brought about by the flagship programmes. Costa Rica invited UN-Habitat to strengthen programming at the regional level, recognizing the inclusive and extensive work done in the region. The representative expressed appreciation for the efficient planning of the meeting.
Serbia recognized that UN-Habitat identified areas where the Programme adds value, noting it would have appreciated to be given more details on concrete measures to be taken to tackle inequalities or climate change. Serbia also reiterated their offer to open a country office in Belgrade. Finally, Serbia also expressed some concerns regarding the low attendance of Member States to the meeting.
Argentina stated it is working towards the shared goal of implementing government actions towards a better and more sustainable future, where all people enjoy equal rights and access to the benefits and opportunities that cities can offer, and where the international community reconsiders urban systems and the physical form of our urban spaces as a means to achieve this. Argentina highlighted that the need to regulate the planning, construction, development, management and improvement of urban areas has led to the implementation of national urban policies, legislation and regulations, planning and urban design that enable development and improvement of the quality of life. Argentina confirmed that this sustainable development, integrated and inclusive, requires the coordination and institutional articulation of national, provincial and local territorial planning strategies.
Brazil welcomed the approach to recalibrate the UN-Habitat Strategic Plan through the proposed three lenses. Brazil aligned with the remark of Serbia regarding the need for a high-level attendance at the meeting. Brazil also reiterated its strong support to UN-Habitat and to the CPR and recalled the critical role the Programme plays in the Global South.
Zimbabwe aligned with the statement of the African Group and G77 and China and called for a higher financial support to UN-Habitat in order to ensure that the Programme is present where it is needed. Zimbabwe requested UN-Habitat to ensure geographical balance amongst their staff.
Switzerland shared its appreciation of the presentation made by the Secretariat, highlighting the need for more time to allow substantive discussions. Switzerland concurred that the Strategic Plan is robust and supported the three-lens approach as a useful tool to set up UN-Habitat’s programme of work. Switzerland suggested to apply the lenses approach during the preparation of the next programme of work for the year 2022, to be presented in more detail during the next session of the Executive Board and its Ad-hoc working group on programmatic, budgetary and administrative matters. Switzerland also asked UN-Habitat to clarify the lens focusing on “new vulnerabilities and risks in cities”.
Kenya aligned with the statement of the African Group and G77 and China and supported the Strategic Plan as a valuable and relevant roadmap to achieving the SDGs. Kenya recognized the success of the mobilization strategy as shown in the increase in the number of donors and urged UN-Habitat to keep seeking additional funding sources. Kenya expressed concern about the frozen staff positions as a result of the austerity measures.
Colombia recognized the relevance of the mandate of UN-Habitat and invited UN-Habitat to further translate its work into policies and to improve South-south collaboration.
Germany aligned with the statement of the WEOG group and of the European Union. Germany invited UN-Habitat to comprehensively map implementations, successes and gaps for future lessons learned, as well as the impact of limited resources in the implementation of the Strategic Plan — and how the situation could be improved in the next two years. Germany also proposed to align the date of the high-level midterm review with the preparation of the independent external midterm review of the Strategic Plan, which will only be available in 2022, and encourages the CPR to use lessons learnt for planning the next CPR cycle of meetings.
Egypt emphasized the importance to highlight the progress made in the implementation of the Strategic Plan and on the need for the Secretariat to shed light on success stories and best practices. Egypt stated it hopes for an improvement of the financial situation of UN-Habitat next year, to ensure full implementation of the Strategic Plan as adopted by the UN-Habitat Assembly in May 2019. Egypt called for full implementation of the Strategic Plan despite the challenges faced by the Programme.
UN-Habitat:
- Expressed appreciation of the feedback and guidance by Member States.
- Recognized the role of partnerships with Member States through Common Country Analyses (CCAs) to localize the SDGs.
- Reiterated that the Strategic Plan was still relevant and that it was prepared using an integrated approach, which will continue to be promoted when addressing sustainable urbanization.
- Confirmed that vulnerabilities are not new, but the way they are presented is new and the overlay of these vulnerabilities have created hotspots in cities. The proposed three lenses methodology will be used to adjust normative and programmatic support, which means targeted support to mitigate emergency challenges as well as addressing underlying causes of vulnerabilities.
Agenda item 3 - Progress in the implementation of the New Urban Agenda
The Executive Director provided three briefings to the CPR on (a) status update on the quadrennial report of the Secretary-General on the progress in the implementation of the New Urban Agenda, (b) the implementation of the ministerial declaration adopted by the first UN-Habitat Assembly, and (c) the high-level meeting to assess progress in the implementation of the New Urban Agenda. She noted that the Secretary-General has requested a report on the implementation of the New Urban Agenda every four years, and stressed the importance of a comprehensive and inclusive reporting mechanism.
(a) Preparation of the quadrennial report of the Secretary-General on progress in the implementation of the New Urban Agenda
The Secretariat recalled that the first report of the Secretary-General was produced in 2018 and submitted the same year to the General Assembly through the Economic and Social Council. Although unexpected challenges and opportunities have emerged since the first report was released in 2018, UN-Habitat noted that action to implement its main recommendations, which focused on creating an incremental and inclusive reporting system and reinforce the United Nations system-wide coordination mechanism for monitoring and reporting, has advanced steadily. UN-Habitat has developed several mechanisms to follow up, report on and strengthen the review of the New Urban Agenda, and encouraged CPR members to submit their national reports towards the second Quadrennial Report.
The Executive Director reaffirmed UN-Habitat’s commitment to the implementation of the New Urban Agenda to members of the CPR and emphasized its universality and the commitments by Member States on the issue of sustainable urban development. She also recognized the New Urban Agenda as an accelerator to addressing the main challenges associated with SDG 11 on cities and human settlements, as well as its interconnected role in the implementation of the Sendai Agreement, Paris Agreement, the Agenda 2030, and the Addis Ababa Conference.
UN-Habitat indicated that the New Urban Agenda takes a multi-level and integrated approach, stating that in its drafting, the contributions of all Member States, different tiers of government and other stakeholders and partners are ensured. UN-Habitat further indicated that the New Urban Agenda establishes a critical linkage to UN-Habitat’s Strategic Plan 2020-2023 and its implementation.
UN-Habitat stressed that the New Urban Agenda has used a people-centered, participatory approach, and that the reporting guidelines developed by UN-Habitat highlight the importance of local governments in following up on the commitments by Member States.
In its first Quadrennial Report (2018), UN-Habitat included over 23 United Nations entities, 5 regional commissions, and 30 partners, which also resulted in over 12 UN entities adopting strategies for the implementation of the New Urban Agenda. A key recommendation was a user-friendly platform using participatory data for reporting.
UN-Habitat noted that it has initiated the process of the second Quadrennial Report, due in 2022, and reminded CPR members of the important contributions that Member States, regional and sub-regional parties, major groups and other stakeholders will make towards the report. UN-Habitat has prepared several reporting mechanisms, including a monitoring process drawing on systems of indicators and data from the Agenda 2030, data from Member States’ reports, as well as a national sample of cities and disaggregated data sets.
UN-Habitat highlighted that it developed the Urban Agenda Platform, the Urban Indicators Programme, and the Global Urban Agenda Monitoring Framework as a response to the recommendations from the first Quadrennial Report, and to harmonize reporting on the New Urban Agenda and other development agendas.
UN-Habitat urged Member States to enhance support for data monitoring, collection, and analysis systems, and to develop inclusive measures at subnational and local levels that will serve as a catalyst for the implementation of the New Urban Agenda. UN-Habitat also noted that voluntary national and subnational reports should be submitted to the Urban Agenda platform, which also include complementary reports prepared by local authorities and other stakeholders.
UN-Habitat highlighted that constraints are visible in the preparation of the Quadrennial Report: only 14 Member States have so far submitted their reports and 16 Member States are currently drafting them. Overall, there is a low institutional policy and financial capacity in many countries towards the urban commitments of the NUA. UN-Habitat assured the CPR members that it stands ready to support any Member States that may require any further guidance, and reminded all that through timely submissions, UN-Habitat will be able to strengthen the impact and influence of the New Urban Agenda.
(b) Implementation of the ministerial declaration adopted by the United Nations Habitat Assembly at its first session
The Executive Director noted that progress has been made in many of the commitments that form part of the ministerial declaration despite the disruptive impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. She encouraged Member States to build capacities for implementation of the New Urban Agenda, deploy additional resources to implement Action Points of the Ministerial Declarations, and appropriate governance and institutional structures that will withstand current and future threats.
UN-Habitat updated on the progress on implementation of the ten commitments as provided in the ministerial declaration:
- UN-Habitat continues to work with the Members States, United Nations entities and other stakeholders in the implementation of the 10 commitments made by ministers.
- In light of the Covid-19 pandemic, Member States have adopted significant response measures around housing needs, policy development, protection of vulnerable groups, development of innovative solutions and deployments of additional resources.
Mobilization and advocacy efforts at all levels raised the level of engagement by Member States and a wide range of partners during Urban October, World Cities Day, World Habitat Day, and at the launch of the 2020 World Cities Report.
(c) High-level meeting to assess progress in the implementation of the New Urban Agenda
The Executive Director recalled that the High-level meeting on the implementation of the New Urban Agenda is mandated by General Assembly Resolution A/RES/75/224 of December 2020 and will take place in 2022 at the New York United Nations Headquarters. The Executive Director indicated that the Secretary-General’s Quadrennial Report on the Implementation of the New Urban Agenda will be presented in February 2022 and will be the main input to the High-level meeting.
The Secretariat updated that the tentative date as booked with the UN Department of General Assembly and Conference Management as well as the President of the 75th Session of the General Assembly is 28 April 2022. The date will be further confirmed in September 2021 by the President of the 76th Session of the General Assembly.
The Executive Director also indicated that the meeting comes at a critical juncture: 14 Member States have submitted their report on the implementation of the New Urban Agenda, while few governments have included urban issues in their Voluntary National Reviews. The meeting will be an opportunity to take stock of progress made in the implementation of the New Urban Agenda, while the 11th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF 11) would constitute an opportunity to brief on the outcomes of the High-level meeting.
UN-Habitat stressed that the regional component to the preparatory process will provide vital input leading up to the High-Level Meeting in 2022. The Executive Director strongly encourages delegates to participate in the Regional Forums for Sustainable Development that will be hosted by the respective Regional Economic Commissions in the months leading up to the high-level meeting (HLM). The HLM will comprise of a High-level opening, followed by an interactive dialogue with key constituents of the New Urban Agenda and an afternoon session, leading to further deliberations and an outcome document.
UN-Habitat further stressed that meetings during the week of the HLM will provide an opportunity to engage with the Global Task force of Local and Regional Governments, the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), business leaders, and civil society. UN-Habitat suggested that prospective outcomes reiterate the importance of the New Urban Agenda as a roadmap for accelerating the Decade of Action, sustainable urbanization, achieving the SDGs and realizing the Paris Agreement.
UN-Habitat highlighted that the HLM is an important event to engage the international community and creates an opportunity for increased funding. The Secretariat reminded the CPR that the HLM is not to be seen as a standalone activity but as an event that should reaffirm UN-Habitat’s mandate.
Interventions by Member States
Finland aligned with the European Union and WEOG and commented that beyond a report on the implementation of the New Urban Agenda, developing indicators to assess the implementation was of utmost importance. Finland involved 160 partners in the preparation of its national report on the implementation of the New Urban Agenda and indicated it will be submitting its report in the next few weeks. Finland thanked UN-Habitat for its normative support in developing Voluntary Local Reviews (VLRs) and Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs).
Germany welcomed UN-Habitat’s efforts on the implementation of the New Urban Agenda and the urban dimension of the SDGs. Germany indicated it supports the VLRs and localizing the SDGs and thanked UN-Habitat for its commitment to achieving a sustainable urban world.
Argentina highlighted the importance of achieving safe inclusion and resilience, providing livelihoods and quality of life for all, and promoting sustainable consumption and production when implementing the New Urban Agenda. Argentina also indicated that it has worked on the urban rural-urban territorial linkages and innovation, as well as land use. Argentina stated that it has promoted public housing and urban development, paying particular attention to women and LGBTQ communities. Argentina reported that is also made progress in elder housing.
Senegal endorsed the statement made by the African Group and commended the Executive Director of UN-Habitat for initiating a review of the Strategic Plan to take into account the challenges and implications of the COVID-19 crisis. Senegal indicated that they have made progress in water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and health infrastructure. Senegal further indicated that it has submitted a report on the implementation of the New Urban Agenda. Finally, Senegal mentioned its collaboration with UN-Habitat on the development of a National Urban Policy.
Egypt stated that the New Urban Agenda is a key tool, noting that they were one of the first Member States to submit their report on the implementation of the NUA. Egypt indicated that Egypt’s Vision 2030, composed of a national committee with a wide range of partners, captures Egypt’s commitment to housing and informal settlements and effective partnerships with governments. Egypt extended its appreciation for the work conducted by the UN-Habitat regional office in Cairo.
Burkina Faso congratulated the Executive Director for the efforts to implement the New Urban Agenda and commended the quality of the presentations at the high-level midterm review. Burkina Faso welcomes the support provided by UN-Habitat in the review of the implementation of the New Urban Agenda. Burkina Faso reiterated the country remains committed to providing financial support to UN-Habitat.
Colombia thanked the Executive Director for the presentation of the report. Colombia stated that it considers the adoption and then the implementation of the New Urban Agenda as a landmark for multilateralism and emphasized that it has prepared reports on the implementation of the New Urban Agenda. Colombia invited the Member States who have not submitted their reports to do so. Colombia further noted the rebuilding after the hurricane Providencia and extended special thanks to the United Nations and UN-Habitat for the efforts to rebuild the island.
Colombia thanked the Executive Director for the presentation of the report. Colombia stated that it considers the adoption of the New Urban Agenda as a landmark for multilateralism, supported by its implementation. Colombia stated that it has prepared reports on the implementation of the New Urban Agenda and called on the Member States who have not submitted their reports to do so. Colombia further noted the rebuilding of Providencia, which was hit by a hurricane and extended special thanks to UNON and UN-Habitat for the efforts to rebuild the island.
Credits:
UN-Habitat