Director General of the United Nations Offices in Nairobi, Ms.
Zainab Hawa Bangura;
The Executive Director of UN-Habitat, Anacláudia Rossbach;
Excellencies,
Distinguished Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is a profound honour for me, on behalf of the Government and people of
the Republic of Kenya, to welcome you all to the
Global Observance of World Habitat Day 2025. It is a source of immense
pride that we host this crucial event here at the UN−Habitat Headquarters
in Nairobi, our capital city. Your presence is a powerful testament to our
shared resolve to confront the challenges of urbanization and to kick off
Urban October, a month dedicated to advocacy and action for sustainable
urbanization.
Allow me to express my gratitude to the Executive Director, the Secretariat,
and all the teams for their tireless efforts in preparing for this important observance. I also wish to acknowledge the dedication of all Member States,
partners, and stakeholders who have travelled from near and far to
participate in this observance.
Distinguished Delegates,
Kenya remains steadfast in its support for the UN-Habitat’s mandate and
vision, as the proud host of this vital agency. Our government has taken bold
steps to align national policies with the New Urban Agenda and the
Sustainable Development Goals. We have prioritized affordable housing,
improved urban infrastructure, and the empowerment of communities as
key pillars of our national development agenda.
Our vision is to transform our cities into true epicenters of creativity and
opportunity for every Kenyan. We are committed to fostering partnerships
that ensure residents are not only recipients of services but co-creators of
their urban spaces. We are focused on implementing sustainable,
transformative solutions that deliver tangible benefits to millions of urban
residents.
Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates
This year’s theme, Urban Crisis Response, with its specific focus on
urban displacement, is incredibly timely. As a nation that has long
demonstrated leadership and compassion in dealing with displacement, we
are acutely aware of the complex challenges this crisis presents. This theme
calls on us to highlight sustainable, scalable, and transformative solutions to
urban displacement. Our goal must be to stabilize populations while
simultaneously promoting prosperity for all and fostering social cohesion.
This is the very essence of Kenya's experience in championing sustainable
urbanization in the region and globally.
Today, we will also celebrate the presentation of the UN-Habitat Scroll of
Honour to winners who have led in providing solutions to urban crises. Their
work will further inspire our collective efforts.
Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates,
The challenges before us demand renewed multilateralism, robust
partnerships, and the active engagement of all stakeholders. As we begin this
important observance, let us be guided by a spirit of cooperation and shared
purpose. Let us be bold in our vision and unwavering in our commitment to
the principles of equity, sustainability, and human dignity. Kenya stands
ready to support and to work with all partners in building a better urban
future for all. I look forward to your positive engagement in this important
observance and wish you all a successful and impactful World Habitat Day
2025.
I thank you for your kind attention.
Hon. Alice Wahome, EGH, Cabinet Secretary for Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development.
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