UN-HABITAT United Nations Human Settlements Programme [to 18 April 2015]
http://unhabitat.org/media-centre/press-releases/

Joint Press Statement by Dr. Joan Clos, Executive Director, UN-HABITAT and Ján Ilavský, State Secretary of the Ministry of Environment of the Slovak Republic
On the occasion of the opening of the 25th Session of the Governing Council Friday 17 April 2015, Nairobi, Kenya

For too long, urbanisation has been seen as something negative to be countered, slowed or even halted. It is time to throw off those assumptions and see the process of urbanisation for what it really is; an opportunity to harness the economic potential of cities for growth and development.

Sustainable urbanisation vital for addressing some of the major concerns of our time, such as inequity, resource scarcity and climate change. It is also a tool for social integration. It is a vital way of advancing human rights, gender equality, youth engagement. It is a front line tool in the fight against extreme poverty.

To achieve sustainable urbanisation, UN-Habitat advocates for a three-pronged approach encompassing robust urban design, firmly and fairly implemented urban regulation and realistic, well-managed municipal financing. When these three elements of urban planning are combined, urbanisation becomes a powerful engine for prosperity. These three approaches build a solid foundation for providing basic services cost effectively and equitably. They ensure the development of affordable and appropriate housing at the heart of the city…