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ANNA TIBAIJUKA, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, UN-HABITAT
Half of humanity now lives in cities and around one billion urban residents live in slums. The
urbanization of poverty is therefore one of the most daunting challenges of the 21st century. Cities offer
many opportunities, but urban growth in many developing countries is largely chaotic, non-inclusive
and inefficient. Reversal of this trend requires institutions capable of supporting sound governance and
regulatory regimes, and of delivering effective public infrastructure and social services.
If cities are to come to terms with rapid levels of urbanization, they require leaders, managers and staff
capable of adopting innovative and robust approaches to planning, developing, managing and financing
cities for the benefit of all citizens.
Aware of the key role of education in promoting socially and environmentally sustainable cities, as well
as its contribution to the realization of the Habitat Agenda goal of adequate shelter for all, UN-HABITAT
is working towards improving the quality and range of appropriate educational opportunities on urban
issues. This includes development of partnerships with universities, promotion of the values and
principles of sustainability in key areas such as water and sanitation as well as climate change, active
participation in the inter-agency committee for the United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable
Development (DESD) and its activities, and the raising of public awareness.
UN-HABITAT fully supports
Tomorrow Today
, prepared within the framework and initiative of
the DESD. This work bears testimony to the whole of the UN family’s quest for a better world. The
publication will be useful to UN-HABITAT as a communication tool in our engagement with partners
promote education for better and sustainable cities.
Anna Tibaijuka
Executive Director, UN-HABITAT