UN-Habitat calls for new vision to spur sustainable urbanization
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E-mail Xinhua, April 12, 2013
The UN human settlement agency on Friday called for the need for countries to revitalize policies that promote sustainable urbanization to ensure cities become havens of economic growth alongside social, cultural and political renaissance.
The UN Human Settlements Program (UNHABITAT) Executive Director Joan Clos said in Nairobi on Friday that urban renewal is an integral component of sustainable development.
"Urbanization affects sustainability and when done properly, it could generate massive economic opportunities for the population. Urbanization should therefore be addressed as an opportunity for shared prosperity, inclusion and renewal," Clos said.
He spoke during a media briefing on the upcoming UNHABITAT Governing Council to be held in Nairobi on April 15-19.
The 2013 Habitat Governing Council will focus on sustainable urban development with a special attention given to expanding economic opportunities for women and Youth.
Clos told Journalists that this year's Governing Council will devote significant attention to Rio+ 20 outcomes and the post 2015 development framework.
Likewise, the governing council will discuss critical topics like slums and provision of basic services including water, sanitation, shelter and health.
"Cities have a crucial role in reshaping the sustainable development agenda. They contribute 75-80 percent of green house gas emissions and there is need to promote dialogue with governments and local authorities to explore interventions that reduce these emissions," said Clos.
He regretted that rampant consumption in cities threatens ecological and human health alongside civil order in countries. The world is rapidly urbanizing as rural population flock to cities in search of economic opportunities.
The UN-HABITAT contends that at the beginning of 21st century, 50 percent of global population lived in cities and if the trend continues, the figure could hit 70 percent by 2050.
Developing countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America have witnessed the fastest growth of cities in the last decade.
Clos noted that cities are epicenters of economic, social and political renewal and countries must establish policy and legal tools to ensure rural to urban migration is regulated and properly coordinated.
"There is need to develop national urban policies to ensure growth of cities does not harm livelihood and the natural environment. Urbanization should have positive outcomes to the population," Clos said.
He revealed that UNHABITAT has partnered with 20 countries to develop progressive national urban policies.
"They should be pragmatic and simple national policies to ensure all levels of urbanization from market centers, towns and metropolis are properly managed," Clos said.
He stressed that unsustainable urbanization breeds economic and social inequality and attendant surge in crime, disease and disenfranchisement.
The Governing Council is a subsidiary body of the General Assembly (GA) and serves as the intergovernmental decision making body of UNHABITAT. It reports to the GA through Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
The Governing Council is composed of 58 members who are elected by the ECOSOC for a term of four years divided along regional lines as follows: Africa, Asia and Pacific, Eastern Europe, Latin America and Caribbean States and Western Europe and other States.
At the commencement of the first meeting of each regular session, the Governing Council elects a President, three vice Presidents and Rapporteur.
These officers constitute the Bureau of the Governing Council whose function is to assist the President in the conduct of the business of the Governing Council. Endi
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