Human Settlements

Over half of the world's population live in cities. Cities are a vital part of a region's development. However, rapid urban expansion and rural exodus can lead to urban slums, crumbling infrastructure, lack of access to clean water and to proper sanitation. These problems threaten a country's social, economic and environmental development. Canada is committed to supporting sustainable urban development and supports organizations working on human settlement problems.

United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-HABITAT)
Canada has been involved with the United Nations (UN) and its human settlements programmes since 1976, when the first UN conference on Human Settlements "Habitat" took place in Vancouver. This conference led to the creation of what is now the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-HABITAT). UN-HABITAT is the UN focal point for work on environmentally sustainable towns and cities and the goal of providing adequate shelter for all. UN-HABITAT is based in Nairobi, Kenya.

The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) is the federal lead for UN-Habitat, and is engaged in several of programmes related to its expertise on housing finance, affordability and export. Other departments and key partners working on human settlements issues include: The Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), Industry Canada through the Sustainable Cities Initiative (SCI), Infrastructure Canada, the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM).

Structure of UN-HABITAT
The Governing Council is the governing structure of UN-HABITAT and reports to the UN General Assembly through the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). The Governing Council meets every two years to approve UN-HABITAT's work programme and budget. It also provides overall policy guidance, direction and supervision to UN-HABITAT. It has a membership of 58 countries, which is made up of 16 seats from Africa, 13 from Asia, six from Eastern Europe, 10 from Latin America and the Caribbean, and 13 from Western Europe and other states. Canada is currently a member of the Governing Council for the term 2005-2008.

The Committee of Permanent Representatives (CPR) serves as the inter-sessional subsidiary body of the Governing Council. The CPR meets four times a year, with Working Groups created from the Committee to focus on budget and programme issues.

UN-HABITAT campaigns and events
UN-HABITAT promotes awareness and action in the area of human settlements worldwide. To support the HABITAT Agenda, two main campaigns are in place: the Global Campaign for Secure Tenure, and the Global Campaign on Urban Governance. UN-Habitat also oversees two key global events: World Habitat Day (annually on the first Monday in October) and the World Urban Forum.

The UN-HABITAT's World Urban Forum
The World Urban Forum (WUF) is a key international event on cities, shelter and urbanization. It is unique and innovative among UN meetings because proceedings are deliberately kept informal to encourage dialogue between government leaders, local authorities, non-governmental organizations, grass-roots movements, urban professionals, youth and the private sector. From interactive panels, to specialized networking sessions and an exposition, delegates have an unparalleled opportunity to discuss and debate with leading thinkers from around the world on the future of urbanization.

Occurring every two years in-between the Governing Councils, the WUF offers an opportunity for those with an interest in sustainable urbanization to share experiences and lessons learned. The outcome is a report submitted by the Executive Director to the Governing Council containing key recommendations for consideration and action.

WUF III in Vancouver
Canada will host the Third Session of the World Urban Forum in Vancouver from June 19-23, 2006. Close to 8,000 delegates from over 150 countries are expected to attend. The overarching Forum theme, "Sustainable Cities: Turning Ideas into Action" will explore practical components of sustainable development in an urban context, including environmental, cultural and economical sub themes. Discussions will take place over the week during networking events, dialogue sessions and round tables.

An organizing secretariat, WUF Canada, has been established to lead preparations for WUF III under the Minister of Human Resources and Social Development Canada. Further detail about the content and programme of the WUF III. Learn more about Canada's involvement in the World Urban Forums:

Additional resources:

International
UN-HABITAT
UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)
UN General Assembly
World Urban Forum III

Canada
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
Canadian International Development Agency
Infrastructure Canada
Industry Canada, Sustainable Cities Initiative
International Development Research Centre
Federation of Canadian Municipalities