The Habitat III Secretariat has now published the Policy Papers resulting from the work of 10 Policy Units supporting the thematic preparation towards the Habitat III Summit, taking place from 17 to 20 October in Quito, Ecuador. The Policy Papers are the result of the collaborative work of Co-Lead organisations and international experts and their input will help shape the New Urban Agenda.

<link https: www.habitat3.org the-new-urban-agenda policy external-link-new-window externen link in neuem>More information on the Habitat III process, the Policy Unit composition and to access the Policy Papers

Policy Unit 9 „Urban Services and Technologies“, co-led by the German Association of Cities and UITP, has included in its Policy Paper several Connective Cities good practices.

Key messages of Policy Paper 9 included:

• Access for all:
Cities have the responsibility to provide adequate, sustainable and resilient urban infrastructure and services to all. These refer to both high quality living conditions – through services such as safe water supply, waste management and electricity – and to facilitating convenient and equal, non-discriminatory access to urban opportunities like jobs, education, healthcare and public spaces through transport systems and mobility services. To supply these services, local authorities need funding stability and predictability as well as appropriate policy and planning capabilities. This requires support by national governments and the international community.

• Efficient use:
Efficient and effective use of urban services require local and national policies that support people to reduce the consumption of finite resources and shift demand toward sustainable options, including reducing water, waste, energy use, and demand for private motorised travel. Local and national governments should prioritise dense urban development and employ the most appropriate policy and technology options to support sustainable choices for services, consumption and mobility.

• Local leadership:
Local authorities should take responsibility and leadership for inclusive well-being and the sustainability of cities. To do so effectively, they need to engage and develop alliances with the relevant stakeholders at local, national, and international level.

• National policies and funding support:
National governments need to enable local authorities to provide adequate services to urban population. This includes frameworks for the funding of the development and operation of services and the ability for local authorities to associate and coordinate beyond city boundaries.

<link https: www.habitat3.org bitcache external-link-new-window externen link in neuem>Direct link to Policy Paper 9