Zambia Reaffirms Commitment To Sustainable Urbanisation And Inclusive Cities At New Urban Agenda Midterm Review At Unhq

Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development Permanent Secretary for Administration Dr. Gabriel Pollen has reaffirmed Zambia’s unwavering commitment to sustainable urbanization as a catalyst for inclusive growth, resilience and improved quality of life.

Delivering Zambia’s national statement during the High-Level Meeting of the General Assembly on the Midterm Review of the New Urban Agenda, Dr. Pollen highlighted notable progress since the adoption of the New Urban Agenda, including the integration of its principles into the Eighth National Development Plan which mainstreams SDG 11.

While acknowledging these achievements, the Permanent Secretary noted that significant challenges persist, including rapid urbanization outpacing infrastructure and service delivery, climate change increasing urban vulnerability, and financing constraints, institutional capacity gaps and limited urban data slowing implementation.

Dr. Pollen reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment to accelerating implementation through strengthened integrated spatial planning, climate-resilient urban development, affordable housing, and improved municipal finance.

He underscored that achieving the ambitions of the New Urban Agenda requires stronger partnerships, including predictable financing, technology transfer, capacity-building, investment in urban data and innovation, and reinforced partnerships that empower local and regional governments to deliver inclusive, resilient and sustainable cities.

The meeting was officially opened by President of the General Assembly, Ms. Annalena Baerbock, who underscored that 3 billion people lack safe and adequate housing, while Deputy Secretary-General Ms. Amina Mohammed and UN-Habitat Executive Director Anacláudia Rossbach highlighted that sustainable urbanization must be delivered at the local level with adequate resources and that benefits remain unevenly distributed.

Meanwhile, the United Nations adopted the Political Declaration to renew commitment and accelerate implementation of the New Urban Agenda. The declaration also addresses the global housing crisis, closing the urban transformation gap, empowering local governments with decision-making and financial resources, and integrating climate resilience with social inclusion for vulnerable communities.

Dr. Pollen was accompanied by his Director, Physical Planning, Mr. Patson Phiri and other senior government officials. The meeting was held on 16th to 17th July 2026.