UN-Habitat

The UN-Habitat is a program of the United Nations (UN) concerned with all matters regarding urbanization, particularly in developing countries. UN-Habitat is working toward socially and environmentally sustainable human settlements and providing satisfactory shelter for all. Its goals also include adequate infrastructure, universal access to employment, and universal access to basic services such as water, energy, and sanitation. To achieve these goals, UN-Habitat issues a set of strategies every 6 years in order to address changing demographics and environmental, economic, and social conditions. UN-Habitat’s strategic plan for 2014 through 2019 sets as priorities urban legislation, land, and governance; urban planning and design; urban economy; and urban basic services.

UN-Habitat as a complete program within the UN system only came into existence in 2002. The first program ...