Mrs. Anna Tibaijuka, Executive Director of UN- HABITAT, launched a Tsunami Human Settlements Recovery Facility at a recently concluded UN conference of Small Island Developing States. Giant Tsunami waves unleashed by an undersea earthquake on 26 December 2004 brought widespread devastation in the countries around the Indian Ocean rim. UN-HABITAT’s immediate response is to focus on emergency and transition shelter, the restoration of critical infrastructure particularly water and sanitation facilities, land use planning and improving the livelihoods of the affected populations, by assuring them jobs in the rehabilitation process. A consolidated United Nations Flash Appeal for almost US$ 1 billion has been launched. UN-HABITAT is the lead agency for two projects in the Appeal amounting to US$ 11 million. They relate to shelter and urban services. UN-HABITAT is a partner agency in three other projects valued at US$ 65.1 million. Japan has shown extraordinary support in the response activities undertaken by UN-HABITAT and has earmarked US$3 million of emergency funds to UN-HABITAT under the Flash Appeal.

Africa tackles urban poverty Cabinet ministers and senior officials from more than 40 African countries met in Durban, South Africa, for the first African Ministerial Conference on Housing and Urban Development (AMCHUD). They agreed at the conference 31 January to 4 February, hosted by South Africa’s Ministry of Housing and co-sponsored by the African Union, and UN-HABITAT, to meet every two years. Its theme, Urbanization, Shelter and Development: Towards an Enhanced Framework for Sustainable Cities and Towns in Africa reflects the political will in Africa to address at continental level, the challenge of urbanization and goal of sustainable human settlements. Delegates underscored the need for Africa to speak with one voice at forthcoming international gatherings.

Dubai Awards for best practices

The 2004 Dubai International Awards for Best Practices to Improve the Living Environment were conferred 29 January on an international array of 10 winners from Argentina, Brazil, Canada, China, Iran, Kenya, Palestine, Spain, Togo, and Uzbekistan. Each of the 10 winning practices presented their experiences, the challenges they faced and innovative strategies at a Laureates’ Forum aimed at promoting the lessons learned from Best Practices, and strengthening the Best Practices and Local Leadership Network.

Italy funds post-conflict housing programme

UN-HABITAT received 5.9 million euros from Italy in January to start implementation of a new social and
housing integration programme for tens of thousands of war refugees and other vulnerable people in Serbia. The funds are the first allocation of a total of 15 million euros Italy is providing for the three-year programme. It aims to provide some 670 new homes for 3,000 refugees and vulnerable people.

New UN-HABITAT, European Commission cooperation on Africa

UN-HABITAT and the European Commission pledged in January to help African countries address the challenge of rapid urbanization on the continent. Participants at a three-day regional meeting in Nairobi said that rapid urbanization facing most African Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) could only be effectively addressed through greater collaboration between the governments and other partners. They explored the possibilities of future collaboration between the Brussels-based ACP group of countries, the EC - the European Union’s executive arm - and UN-HABITAT. The
meeting attracted 110 participants. They included representatives of 16 African countries, 10 ministers and seven mayors, as well as representatives of EC country delegations who actively participated in the discussions.

New human settlements agreement with Jordan

UN-HABITAT and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan last month signed a cooperation agreement aimed at
promoting sustainable urbanization and adequate housing in the Arab region. The Jordanian Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, Dr. Bassem Awadallah, and the Deputy Executive Director, UN-HABITAT, Mr. Daniel Biau, on behalf of Mrs. Tibaijuka, signed the agreement in Amman. Under the agreement, UN-HABITAT will establish an office in Amman hosted by the Government of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

20th Session of the UN-HABITAT Governing Council
4-8 April 2005, Nairobi, Kenya.

The GC will examine the work programme for the 2006 – 2007 biennium, the budget of the United Nations Habitat and Human Settlements Foundation for the biennium 2006-2007, UN-HABITAT’s activities, and the progress report of the Executive Director.

Special themes: Involvement of civil society in improving local governance and Post-conflict, natural and man-made disasters assessment and reconstruction.
E-Mail: Joseph.Mungai@unhabitat.org

Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD) 13th Session
11-22 April, New York.

United Cities and Local Governments, Asia-Pacific Regional Section
26-29 April 2005, Daegu, Korea
Theme: Glocalization for the future

Metropolis
8th World Congress, Berlin. 11 - 15 May