Strengthening Partnerships for inclusive implementation of the New Urban Agenda in advancing Agenda 2030

The phenomenon of urbanization has not been prioritized in politics, policies or decision-making, especially in the developing world. There is a low level of awareness of the opportunities and challenges of urbanization and how to address them. National-level have made efforts to catch up with the fast pace of urbanization include housing development, slum upgrading programs and public and private sector initiatives to increase the supply of housing, develop infrastructure, jobs and provide basic services. However, these efforts remain fragmented, and nearly a quarter of all urban Asians still live in squalor and insecurity in slums.

It is essential to reemphasize the effective implementing mechanism to mobilize and enhance the capacity of city-based actors - especially grassroots communities, civil societies, private sectors and their local governments - to work together and take a more active part in solving these problems and to plan together equitable city development for all. Building these local partnerships and strengthening the participation of these local stakeholders is a strategic step towards ensuring the challenges of urbanization are addressed and its benefits extend to all.

The New Urban Agenda is a timely global agenda that can help countries respond to the challenges of urbanization and human settlements for all. For effective implementation of the SDGs and NUA, member States outlined the need for inclusiveness and multi-level participation. They also acknowledged capacity development, exchanges of urban solutions and mutual learning as steps towards enhancing implementation across all levels.

As a contribution to the implementation of the NUA and the achievement of Agenda 2030, this networking event brings together representatives from urban poor communities, local governments, civil society organizations and UN agencies to share practical strategies and best practices on strengthening partnerships in the implementation of the NUA and urban related SDGs, and to Identify how these city development partners can be the key active actors in implementing these global agendas locally.