President Advocate Duma Boko has officially inaugurated the UN-Habitat Regional Office for Southern Africa, marking a landmark milestone in the region’s pursuit of sustainable urban development and enhanced regional cooperation.
The launch ceremony, held recently, underscores the growing commitment of Southern African nations to address rapid urbanization challenges through coordinated efforts and innovative solutions. UN-Habitat, the United Nations agency dedicated to promoting socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities, will now have a stronger regional presence to support member states in achieving inclusive urban growth.
In his keynote address, President Boko emphasized the critical importance of sustainable urban development in improving the quality of life for millions across Southern Africa. “As cities continue to grow, we must adopt integrated approaches that balance economic growth, environmental protection, and social inclusion,” he stated. “The establishment of this regional office signals a renewed focus on collaboration and practical interventions that will shape the future of our urban spaces.”
The new UN-Habitat Regional Office is tasked with coordinating programmes, facilitating knowledge exchange, and supporting policy frameworks that align with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
By serving as a hub for technical assistance and regional partnerships, the office will work closely with governments, local authorities, civil society, and private sector stakeholders. This collaborative model aims to foster resilient infrastructure, affordable housing, effective urban planning, and disaster risk reduction.
President Boko also called on Southern African countries to leverage this platform to accelerate urban transformation while addressing issues such as poverty, inequality, and climate change impacts. “The challenges are complex, but together, we can build cities that are not only engines of economic opportunity but also safe, inclusive, and sustainable places for all,” he concluded.
The launch of the UN-Habitat Regional Office for Southern Africa marks a promising chapter in the region’s development journey, offering renewed hope for the millions living in rapidly expanding urban environments. Through strengthened cooperation and targeted interventions, Southern Africa is poised to lead by example in sustainable urbanization on the continent.
