Online Reporter
Sikhanyisiwe Ncube
ZIMBABWE is taking part in the Resumed Second Session of the United Nations Habitat Assembly, which officially opened today in Nairobi and will run until 30 May.
The UN Habitat Assembly is the governing body of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), providing the political and strategic framework for promoting sustainable urban development and human settlements worldwide.
The session will, among other issues, consider the Strategic Plan 2026-2029 for adoption.
The plan outlines priorities in advancing sustainable urban development over the next four years.
The High-Level Dialogue on “Adequate Housing for All” also took centre stage in which member states shared knowledge and best practices, aimed at providing solutions to the global housing crisis.
International Guidelines on People-Centred Smart Cities will also be considered for adoption.
Representing Zimbabwe at the assembly, is the Minister of National Housing and Social Amenities, Honourable Zhemu Soda. The resumed session has brought together approximately 1,200 delegates, including a Deputy Prime Minister, 42 ministers, 14 deputy ministers, and eight governors and mayors, to discuss pressing human settlement issues.
In her opening remarks, UN-Habitat Executive Director Anaclaudia Rossbach highlighted that the new strategic plan aims to tackle the urgent challenge of informal settlements. She revealed that 2.8 billion people globally are inadequately housed, with over 1.1 billion living in informal settlements or slums, and more than 300 million experiencing homelessness. ‘The Strategic Plan positions, housing, land and basic services at the centre of our mandate, it is a plan to deliver impact where it matters most, she said.
During the high-level dialogue, member countries shared various housing delivery models and emphasized the importance of partnerships with diverse stakeholders in addressing housing challenges. Minister Soda highlighted Zimbabwe’s approach to densification and the regularisation of informal settlements, which includes private sector participation as an approach being implemented by Zimbabwe towards addressing housing challenges. He also pointed out the initiatives being pursued by Government to support private players in housing delivery which including granting letters of support for prescribed asset status and creating an enabling environment for players to deliver human settlements. He stressed that housing is a key pillar within the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) and a vital driver in achieving the aspirations of Vision 2030.
The session will also explore guidelines for People-Centred Smart Cities, emphasizing the mantra ‘people first, technology second.’ The guidelines advocate for smart city initiatives that prioritise affordable housing, clean air, and safe streets, ensuring technology solves problems rather than creates new ones.
Zimbabwe is also poised to be elected to the UN-Habitat Executive Board today.
Together with Mozambique, Zimbabwe has been nominated to represent the region on the Executive Board for a four-year term.
