When planned responsibly and based on sound cost/benefit analysis, and when supported by adequate regulations, the financing and development of infrastructure can be used as an engine for the development of institutions, policies, and capacities at all levels and across all sectors of governance. Urban planning is crucial in preparing for the orderly expansion of cities, guiding investment, preparing land subdivisions, and installing skeletal infrastructure before undertaking building projects. On World Cities Day (31 October) let’s finance a sustainable future for everyone.

In Africa, on average, people spend up to 56 minutes walking or cycling for transport daily. The danger lies not just on the road, but in the air too. This report sets out recommendations.

World Cities Report 2022: Envisaging the Future of Cities seeks to provide insights into the future of cities based on existing trends, challenges and opportunities, as well as disruptive conditions, including the lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Residents of the Hlaing Thar Yar township and surrounding areas hope a UN-Habitat solid waste management project will prevent deadly fires by lower methane emissions.

Building materials and the construction sector accounts for 11 per cent of annual carbon dioxide emissions. A UN-Habitat project shows how a construction project can help achieve a carbon-free world.

UN-Habitat renews its commitment to furthering the implementation of the SDGs by offering governments practical expertise in urban internal displacement contexts and in durable solutions.

Engaging women and girls to develop safe, inclusive, and accessible public spaces is one of the core principles of UN-Habitat’s global commitment to building better and more resilient cities.

According to a UN-Habitat assessment one year after the Beirut Port explosion, 130 of 175 buildings within two kilometres of the explosion’s epicentre have been rehabilitated.

UN-Habitat has launched a new campaign to inspire action in urban areas to prevent climate change and adjust to its ongoing or anticipated impact.

UN-Habitat is calling for nominations for the Scroll of Honour award. The award recognizes individuals and institutions which have made outstanding contributions to urban development.

UN-Habitat helped launch Her City Toolbox, – an open-source digital platform that guides urban actors and decision makers in strengthening girls' participation in urban planning and design processes.

Young people in Khan Younis city in the Gaza Strip used the popular computer game Minecraft to design inclusive public spaces that are safe for women.

UN-Habitat and Kenyan international footballer, Victor Wanyama, work together to support community development particularly for women and youth in the country’s informal settlements.

Preserving historic Lebanese homes

The Climate Smart Cities Challenge is making an open call to city governments to join a competition that aims to stimulate and scale innovative ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in cities, while creating other social benefits.