UN-HABITAT’sHABITAT PARTNER
UNIVERSITY INITIATIVE
Background
• Many of the current global crises are directly
linked to the urban development path
• Many sustainable development issues cannot
be resolved without better planned cities
• Urban education needs to catch up as
universities educate future decision-makers
• Global cooperation and exchange of knowledge
is key for advancing urban development
Connecting potential – The Habitat Partner University Initiative
• Promotes cooperation between UN-HABITAT and institutions of higher education
• Enables universities to become closer partners of cities, actively engaged in problem solving
• Aims at closing the gap between academia and practice, encouraging collaborative learning
• Aspires to create the next generation of urban leaders, managers, researchers and practitioners
• Facilitates exchange and cooperation among universities globally
Harnessing the strengths of universities, promoting
cooperation towards progressive university-city
collaborations on sustainable urban development.
Aim
The aim of the Habitat Partner University Initiative is to harness the strengths of universities, promoting cooperation in the fields of education, research, professional development and policy advice, towards progressive university-city collaborations on sustainable urban development.
Vision
By utilizing the facilitating role of UN-HABITAT to
promote global exchange of knowledge the Habitat
Partner University Initiative facilitates the global
dissemination of ideas, enhancing the quality and
relevance of university work.
By facilitating partnerships the Initiative influences the
route by which new knowledge is implemented,
speeding up the path from idea to reality, promoting
universities as primary partners to cities for achieving
sustainable urbanization.
Objectives
• A global platform to encourage dialogue and debate
• A knowledge management portal that will support the transfer of innovation and knowledge
• Promote the development of capacity building programmes
• A global interdisciplinary research network focusing on a demand-led approach to urban research, leading to locally appropriate innovations
• Collecting a broad, interdisciplinary expertise in sustainable urban development, and support their influence on urban practice and policy
Pillars
Initiating events and collaborative efforts within the pillars of:
• Education
• Research
• Policy advice
• Professional development
• The Initiative’s fifth pillar, knowledge management, provides the platform for exchange
How do I engage?
• Sign up as an individual member on
www.unhabitat.org/HPUI
• Engage on interactive webpage (coming
soon): initiate and join international,
transdisciplinary discussions, upload
your thesis so it can be viewed and
commented by the global community
• Apply for opportunities on webpage:
internships, jobs, exchanges,
collaborations…
• Engage within your university and local
HPUI hub, organize and drive issues you
believe are important for sustainable
urban development
For more information, visit www.unhabitat.org/HPUI
Thank you!
Or contact your Focal Point:NAMEEMAIL