UAE Leads UN-Habitat Work to Support Global Urban Development

The United Arab Emirates has taken another important step on the global stage as Mohammed Al Mansoori, Under-Secretary for Infrastructure and Transport Affairs at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, led the UAE delegation to the third session of the Executive Board of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat). The meetings took place at the organisation’s headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya, bringing together international representatives to discuss the future of global urban development.

This participation is especially significant because it marks the UAE’s first involvement in Executive Board proceedings after being elected President of the UN-Habitat General Assembly and becoming a member of the programme’s Executive Board for 2025. This achievement reflects the UAE’s expanding influence and active role in supporting global strategies focused on sustainable urban development. It also highlights the country’s growing international recognition in areas related to urban planning, innovation and housing solutions.

During the meetings, Al Mansoori emphasised that the UAE’s presidency of UN-Habitat is both a major responsibility and a valuable opportunity. He explained that the UAE aims to strengthen its contribution to shaping the future of global cities, especially as nations around the world face rapid population growth, climate challenges and changing social needs. By taking a leadership position, the UAE hopes to encourage international cooperation that results in better planning, improved living conditions and smarter, more resilient urban spaces.

Al Mansoori highlighted the UAE’s commitment to promoting new ideas and advanced technologies that help cities operate more efficiently. He noted that the UAE will prioritise the use of innovation to improve housing systems, transport networks and environmental sustainability. By doing so, the country aims to support the development of urban areas that offer a strong quality of life and meet the expectations of modern societies.

He also pointed out that the UAE will continue aligning its work with the Sustainable Development Goals, especially those related to cities, communities and climate action. The country aims to ensure that its contributions support the New Urban Agenda—an international framework that encourages safe, inclusive, and environmentally responsible cities worldwide.

Throughout the meetings, the UAE delegation held discussions with international partners, global organisations and UN institutions to explore ways to strengthen cooperation. Al Mansoori explained that the UAE plans to lead and support initiatives that help countries design better urban strategies, respond effectively to global challenges and create long-term solutions that contribute to stable and future-ready communities.

He added that the UAE’s leadership is deeply committed to advancing the mission of UN-Habitat by encouraging new partnerships and promoting smart solutions that improve housing availability, reduce environmental impact and support social wellbeing. With its increasing experience in infrastructure development and city planning, the UAE hopes to share its successful practices with other nations and help create a global system where cities become smarter, more sustainable and better prepared for the future.

The UAE’s strong participation in these meetings underscores the nation’s ongoing vision of becoming a global model for innovation and urban excellence. As the world continues to search for ways to build cities that are more adaptable, climate-friendly and technologically advanced, the UAE aims to play a key role in shaping that future. This includes supporting countries that need assistance, sharing knowledge and working with international partners to strengthen global progress toward future-ready cities.

Through its role at UN-Habitat, the UAE continues to show its dedication to global cooperation, sustainable solutions and the creation of urban environments that meet the needs of coming generations. This strategic involvement reflects the country’s belief that enhancing cities is not only a development goal but also an investment in human wellbeing, environmental protection and worldwide prosperity.