Welcome to the United Nations
Habitat for Humanity International with the Municipality of Guatemala
In coherence with the HLPF 2022 theme, this side-event sheds light on the challenges, opportunities, solutions, and exemplary practices of cities and local governments in their efforts to spearhead an inclusive, resilient, and sustainable urban recovery from COVID-19 while advancing the implementation of the 2030 Agenda in diverse urban contexts. The COVID-19 pandemic has deepened systemic and multidimensional inequalities across urban public health and well-being, poverty, local economic growth, livelihoods and income generation, gender equality, climate and disaster resilience, environmental sustainability, and other disparities that especially affect vulnerable population groups. Along with the pandemic, these multiple, interlinked, and cascading inequalities are being further exacerbated by rapid urbanization, climate impacts, and contexts of crises and fragility. In this regard, the speakers will highlight noteworthy examples of urban recovery from a diverse range of global and local contexts. Robert Muggah will expand upon the cross-cutting challenges that cities and local governments face to ensure an inclusive urban recovery. Shaheen Kassim-Lakha will outline the efforts of the Hilton Foundation in tackling homelessness during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ricardo Quiñónez Lemus, Mayor of Guatemala City, will highlight innovative urban planning initiatives on tactical urbanism and improving access to safe and inclusive public spaces to enhance the holistic well-being of the city’s residents. Abdallah Al Dardari, UNDP’s Resident Representative in Afghanistan, will elaborate upon the role of local governments, civil society, UNDP, and development partners in preventing SDG regressions, bridging gender disparities, and enabling inclusive access to education and local economic opportunities amidst Afghanistan’s recent crisis.
