Joint Statement, UNDP and UN Habitat on World Cities Day

Joint Statement by Mr. Achim Steiner, Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and Ms. Maimunah Mohd Sharif, Executive Director of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN‐Habitat) on World Cities Day 

 

UNDP and UN-Habitat advocate for attaching ‘green strings’ to development so that cities are better designed and more compact; cities, with high quality public spaces, protected walking and cycling paths, and easy-to-access schools and health facilities. 

 

Our public health and climate crises are going to have to be tackled simultaneously - this may seem impossible, but cities show us how to do it collaboratively.

 

The COVID-19 pandemic has shown us that change is possible overnight - if we want it. Public health affects all of us. Tackling COVID-19 requires solidarity and cooperation.

 

Much of the burden of fighting the multiple impacts of the pandemic falls on local governments. Whether in urban or rural areas, local governments and their essential workers are on the front lines. Consequently, higher levels of government need to empower decision-making at the lowest, most appropriate level.