Stakeholders convene to harmonize recommendations to be presented at the United Nation Habitat Assembly II (UNHA II).
Kara joined hands with the National Habitat Committee, Civil Society Urban Development Platform (CSUDP), University of Nairobi, Habitat for Humanity, SDGs Kenya Forum, Friedrich Ebert Stiftung, Government of Kenya, and UN-Habitat to organize a stakeholders dialogue forum aimed at harmonizing recommendations to the Global Stakeholders Forum – the United Nation Habitat Assembly II (UNHA II).
The forum brought together community leaders, government officials, professionals, entrepreneurs, civil society organizations and students to have a conversation centered around the theme of UNHA II, “A Sustainable Urban Future through Inclusive and Effective Stakeholder Partnership: Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals in Times of Global Crises.” The stakeholders’ forum took place in preparation for the 2nd session of the United Nations Habitat Assembly, scheduled to be held in Nairobi from June 5th to June 9th, 2023.
Hon. Maimunah Mohd Sharif, the Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN-Habitat who was one of the key note speakers at the forum, praised the University of Nairobi for its role in hosting the urban dialogue. “I am aware that UN-Habitat and the University of Nairobi are partners in documenting the outcomes of these public urban dialogues. UN-Habitat is open to strengthening and broadening our existing collaboration, to promote urban research and generate new knowledge.” She emphasized the importance of these dialogue sessions in engaging local stakeholders and incorporating their contributions into the policy-making processes. Hon. Sharif also highlighted the significance of the United Nations Habitat Assembly as the primary legislative body for urban issues and human settlements within the UN system.
Athman Said, the Housing Secretary at the State Department of Housing and Urban Development, reiterated the government’s commitment to accelerating the implementation of the New Urban Agenda. He emphasized the government’s efforts in achieving universal access to adequate housing and their dedication to realizing the right to decent and adequate housing, as outlined in Article 43 of the Constitution.
Amb. Jean Kimani, Kenya’s Permanent Representative to UN-Habitat, reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to the UN-Habitat Agenda. She stressed the importance of the dialogue in fostering discussions on sustainable urbanization and human settlements.
The public dialogue featured a high-level panel discussion on the role of stakeholders in accelerating the implementation of the New Urban Agenda. The forum developed recommendations to be forward to the UNHA II for considerations.