UN-Habitat key in shaping SDGs—Minister

BY DOYIN ADEOYE

The Minister of Environment, Amina J. Mohammed, on Wednesday lauded the efforts of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), saying that it was key in shaping the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) especially on the cities.

In a Tweetmeet, the minster alongside the Assistant Secretary General and Executive Deputy Director, UN-Habitat, Dr Aisa Kirabo Kacyira, spoke extensively on the opportunities offered by the UN-Habitat in an era of sustainable development.

Speaking on the connection between environment and habitat development, the minister said: “I see UN-Habitat as a platform that creates the space for knowledge, innovation and partnerships that ensure sustainable development. It is about one ecosystem where people, the environment, our abode, workplace all interact in harmony.”

Reacting to the same question, Dr Kacyira noted that we have the responsibility to plan and develop our habitats and cities to the benefit of our environment, adding that UN-Habitat goes beyond housing and human settlement.

“UN-Habitat goes beyond housing to integrated urban planning, equitable access to basic infrastructure, as well as safe and resilient environment,” Dr Kacyira said.

“UN-Habitat offers the policy and technical support to leaders especially to harness the benefits of urbanisation and human settlements,” she added.

Climate change is a major challenge for many nations, as both women highlighted ways by which it can be tackled through human settlement and housing development.

According to Kacyira, “Climate change can be addressed by better urban planning and housing policies for efficient energy use, better water and waste management and job creation, especially for youth.”