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Housing and Land Management

UNECE’s city profile of Podgorica, Montenegro, to support smart urban development

In recent years, Montenegro and its capital city, Podgorica, have been committed to accelerate sustainable and smart urban development through a variety of ambitious national and regional and local measures, such as digitalization of public services, modernization of public transport, and to increase environmental protection.  

UNECE helps Ukraine draft law to address housing challenges and develops municipal investment tracker for greater transparency in reconstruction projects

A joint assessment by the Government of Ukraine, the World Bank Group, the European Commission and the UN released in March 2023 estimated the cost of reconstruction and recovery at USD 411 billion. As the destruction of the war continues, UNECE is stepping up its support in preparation for recovery and reconstruction in Ukraine’s urban areas. 

Housing affordability: a key challenge  

UNECE Forum of Mayors fosters city-to-city learning for regeneration and resilience, facilitating an inclusive multilateralism

Leaders from over 40 cities worldwide have reaffirmed the value of sharing experience, knowhow and partnerships as part of an inclusive multilateral process at the Third UNECE Forum of Mayors.  

City representatives shared their experiences in finding urban regeneration solutions that meet the needs and aspirations of their citizens, strengthen resilience to disasters and respond to climate change, supporting implementation of the 2030 Agenda. 

3rd Forum of Mayors to gather 50 city leaders at UNECE in push for networked and inclusive multilateralism

The 3rd Forum of Mayors will bring together some 50 city leaders from around the world at the United Nations in Geneva on 2-3 October to share practical experiences of urban regeneration, and to help harness cities’ unique role in addressing some of the key challenges of our time.  

UNECE mission to Ukraine helps prepare for urban rebuilding efforts under UN4UkrainianCities project

The war in Ukraine has left nearly 1.5 million homes destroyed, with a staggering $411 billion needed for reconstruction and recovery. A recent Human Impact Assessment (HIA) reveals that 65% of households have seen a decline in income since February 2022.

The future of sustainable building is wood

The building industry currently accounts for 39% of global energy-related CO2 emissions, 11% of which result from manufacturing building materials and products such as steel, cement, and glass. And yet, to date, emission reduction efforts have not really focused on decarbonizing the construction sector but the two other sectors responsible for the most emissions, electric power and transportation.  

UNECE Centre of Excellence in Estonia to support energy efficient reconstruction of multi-apartment buildings in Ukraine

Housing is one of the sectors most affected by the war in Ukraine, with over US$50 billion of damage recorded since the invasion by the Russian Federation. In Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second largest city, some 3,367 apartment buildings and 1,823 single apartment buildings have been destroyed and damaged, according to the City Council. In the Southern city of Mykolaiv, housing stock accounts for 77% of overall damage, according to a One Works assessment.

UNECE redoubles support to Kharkiv and Mykolaiv reconstruction planning through German-funded USD 5 million project

Overall damage to the housing sector alone following the Russian invasion of Ukraine is estimated at over US$50 billion. In Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second largest city, some 3367 apartment buildings and 1823 single apartment buildings have been destroyed and damaged, according to the City Council. The city’s infrastructure has also been severely damaged.

UNECE evaluation supports Tbilisi, Georgia, for smart and sustainable development

According to the UNECE Smart Sustainable Cities profile for Tbilisi, presented today in the capital of Georgia, the city has made important efforts in implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, capitalizing on the growth opportunities generated by the Association Agreement between Georgia and the European Union (EU). The Profile notes, however, the need for strengthened measures in areas including water and waste management, mobility, housing, and governance.