Summary of First UN-Habitat Assembly in figures

- The second assembly will be held from Monday, June 5 to Friday, June 9 in 2023

- Kenya pledged to increase its contribution from KSh 7,084,293 to KSh 10,120,097

- 21 countries jointly pledged to raise to a tune of KSh 15.38 billion to fund UH-Habitat

- Some 127 countries attended thus bringing together four Heads of State and 49 ministers

- There were 90 exhibitors, 57 side events and nearly 30 city stage and press centre events

- At least 3900 people were present among them 60 Mayors, 129 state officers and 470 NGOs

National governments taking part in the first UN-Habitat Assembly concluded their five days of discussions on Friday, May 31 with a Ministerial Declaration.

The declaration recognised that the unprecedented rate of urbanisation brought along both a challenge and an opportunity.

Kenya pledged to increased its contribution from KSh 7,084,293 to KSh 10,120,097. Photo: UN-Habitat Source: UGC

The first UN-Habitat Assembly which seeks to achieve sustainable and safer cities was opened by President Uhuru Kenyatta on Monday, May 27.

Mexico’s Vice Minister for Multilateral Affairs and Human Rights, Martha Delgado was elected President of the Assembly.

Deputy Executive Director, UN-Habitat, UN-Habitat Executive Director Maimunah Mohd Sharif (c), and Martha Delgado Peralta (r), UNHA 1 President, gavel UNHA 1 to a close. Photo: UN-Habitat Source: UGC

During the opening session Uhuru said Kenya would increase its contribution to UN-Habitat and Human settlements Foundation Gains Account from KSh 7,084,293 to KSh 10,120,097.

On Wednesday, May 29, during the Partnership and Pledging Conference, Kenya was among 21 countries that pledged to raise to a tune of KSh 15.38 billion to support UN-Habitat in its work.

Kenya was among 21 countries that pledged to raise to a tune of KSh 15.38 billion to support UN-Habitat. Photo: UN-Habitat Source: UGC

Countries that participated in pledging include:

China, Colombia, Democratic Republic of Congo, France, the Gambia, Germany, Ghana, India, Japan, Madagascar, Malawi, Morocco, Nigeria, Norway, Poland, South Africa, South Sudan, Sweden, Switzerland and Zambia.

Delegations from 127 countries, including four Heads of State and Government and 49 ministers took part in the summit.

This motorbike is powered by rechargeable batteries able to propel it for 80 kilometers. It saves the environment from poisonous fumes from petrol that is used by other bikes. Photo: Roberto Muyela Source: Original

The assembly saw some 90 exhibitors showing exciting new solutions.

This included the computer game Minecraft for inclusive urban planning, green energy cars and motorbikes and traffic de-congestion systems.

Mandela Mogaka (l) is the developer of Bitraffic app that allows matatu drivers locate passengers. The app also informs passengers on traffic flow. Photo: Roberto Muyela Source: UGC

There were 57 side events and nearly 30 city stage and press centre events.

Over a third of the 2,900 delegates attending came from national governments, along with 129 from local government (including over 60 Mayors) and around 470 NGO, academic and private sector representatives.

Mercy Wamboi illustrating how a solar powered car works. On full charge, the vehicle can travel up to 140 kilometers. Photo: Roberto Muyela Source: UGC

The total number of participants, including technical, United Nations staff and entertainers, came to over 3,900 people.

It was agreed that the second session of the UN-Habitat Assembly, which will take place every four years, will be held from Monday, June 5 to Friday, June 9 in 2023.