The year 2024 marked a pivotal shift in UN-Habitat’s approach to promoting inclusive and equitable access to public space. Since its inception in 2012, UN-Habitat’s Global Public Space Programme has led a holistic, multi-sectoral effort to support local governments in creating vibrant, inclusive public space networks. By embedding long-term urban strategies into urban planning and national policies, the Programme has prioritized the transformation of public spaces, particularly for the most vulnerable groups.
The year reinforced the intrinsic link between access to public space and access to adequate housing, land, and basic services. In informal settlements public spaces play a vital role in structuring urban growth, improving liveability, enabling service delivery, supporting livelihoods, and enhancing climate resilience. Public space is not a backdrop to urban life but a foundational enabler of equitable development.
As the custodian of SDG 11.7 which states that “By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive,and accessible, green and public spaces, in particular for women and children, older persons, and persons with disabilities”, the Programme has been vital not just in ensuring its initial establishment but in protecting, upgrading and platforming it as a global commitment.
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