10 June 2023
During the second UN Habitat Assembly on 5 to 9 June 2023, various stakeholders gathered in Nairobi last week to discuss ways of creating more livable, sustainable, and resilient communities. Together with the conference planners and the host government security services, UNDSS Kenya executed a thorough security management plan that enabled the conference which included over 5,000 delegates to run smoothly.
The United Nations Office at Nairobi's (UNON) Deputy Chief of Security and Safety Services, Jaki Azmi, stated that “getting ready for the conference required proper activation of our various security and safety units-fire safety, tactical response team, and the Pass and ID unit.” Additionally, coordination with different external security teams was crucial given the presence of various heads of state and government. Days before the conference, "we double-checked with UN Habitat the number of heads of state who would be attending, and we started conversations with their security focal points to avoid any security confusions, such as convoys arriving at the UNON complex, reception protocols, and access of armed security close protection officers."
In advance, the Pass and ID section started making photo badges to make it easier for different kinds of delegates to enter the complex. According to Lt. Akwata Ekessah, who oversees the Pass and ID section, "This is a rigorous and collaborative process that entails validation of request documents to ensure that only properly authorized and documented persons and vehicles access the complex."
Thanks to the collective efforts from different parties, the delegates had a safe and secure platform to deliberate on diverse issues. As part of the key highlights from the weeklong discussions, member states agreed to prioritize affordable housing as a human right through the adoption of a historical resolution “Affordable Housing for All.”