Recently, I had the privilege of attending the 2nd United Nations Habitat Assembly held at the United Nations Headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya. This global gathering brought together world leaders, experts, and passionate individuals to engage in meaningful discussions, share innovative ideas, and propose solutions to address the challenges faced by human settlements. The experience was nothing short of remarkable, allowing me to reconnect with old friends and forge new connections that have the potential to drive positive change.
One of the highlights of the assembly was the opportunity to reconnect with long-time friends and colleagues: Lucia Kiwala and Oumar Sylla, the Regional Director for Africa at UN-Habitat. Oumar’s unwavering commitment to promoting sustainable urban development in Africa and his invaluable expertise greatly contributed to the discussions and deliberations at the assembly.
The assembly also provided a platform for establishing new connections and expanding networks. One such connection was with Victory Jaja, PhD, from the Nigeria High Commission in Kenya. Building connections with like-minded individuals is essential in fostering collaboration and driving positive change.
Throughout the assembly, I was inspired by the wealth of ideas and innovative solutions proposed by world leaders and experts. The discussions revolved around key topics such as affordable housing, climate change, sustainable urbanization, and social inclusion. Witnessing the collective determination to find practical solutions to these challenges was both uplifting and motivating.
Attending the 2nd United Nations Habitat Assembly was a transformative experience. The connections made and the ideas exchanged have left a lasting impact on my commitment to promoting sustainable human settlements. I am now more motivated than ever to take action and contribute to building inclusive, resilient, and sustainable communities.
