Launch: Global State of National Urban Policy 2021

National Urban Policy (NUP) is an instrument that facilitates achieving sustainable urban development as a shared responsibility across countries, regions, and cities. In the wake of the COVID-19 crisis, the scale and urgency of urban challenges have become evident and have given prominence to NUPs.

The pandemic has also highlighted an opportunity and the potential for NUPs to shape more resilient, green, and inclusive cities as part of countries’ recovery packages.

Building on the first edition launched in 2018, this report reviews the NUPs of 162 countries across the world. The overarching objective of the report is to assist national governments in advancing their NUP processes, especially in creating a stronger link between NUPs and urban-related global agendas, such as Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development and the New Urban Agenda, and in mainstreaming climate action into NUPs.

The report is a collaborative project of the OECD, UN-Habitat, and Cities Alliance, and a key outcome of the National Urban Policy Programme, a global partnership launched in 2016 at the Habitat III Conference.

The report serves as a critical source of information and analysis for policymakers and urban professionals, as it establishes the foundation for understanding how, and in what forms, NUPs have been developed, implemented, and monitored globally.

This high-level event will launch the Global State of National Urban Policy 2021 Report, discuss the key findings of the report, and reflect on country experiences with Urban Ministers from different continents,  senior urban experts, and representatives from local government associations.

AGENDA

Welcome

• Aziza Akmouch, Head of Cities, Urban Policies and Sustainable Development Division, Centre for Entrepreneurship, SMEs, Regions and Cities (CFE), OECD.

Opening Remarks

• Ulrik Vestergaard Knudsen, Deputy Secretary-General, OECD
• Maimunah Mohd Sharif, Executive Director, UN-Habitat
• Greg Munro, Director, Cities Alliance

Presentation of the GSNUP 2021 Report

• Lamia Kamal-Chaoui, Director, CFE, OECD.

High-level Panel Discussion

• Felipe Ward, Minister of Housing and Urban Planning, Chile

• Jonathan Malagón González, Minister of Housing, Cities and Territories, Colombia

• Paulita C.C Wie, Deputy Minister for Urban Affairs, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Republic of Liberia

• Tilman Buchholz, Deputy Head of Division, Federal Ministry of the Interior, Building and Community, Germany

• Sara Hoeflich, Director, Learning, United Cities and Local Governments

• Moderator: Shipra Narang Suri, Chief, Urban Practices Branch, UN-Habitat

Way forward and closing remarks

• Rene Peter Hohmann, Head of Programmes, Cities Alliance