Thembi Simelane Pushes Inclusive Urban Growth at UN Meeting

On the sidelines of the meeting, Simelane held bilateral talks with Libya's Minister of Housing and Construction, Eng. Essam Al-Tamouni, to explore opportunities for closer cooperation between the two countries.

South Africa is set to participate in the United Nations General Assembly High-Level Meeting reviewing progress on the New Urban Agenda (NUA), with Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane representing the country during the two-day gathering.

Held under the theme "Delivering Sustainable Urbanisation for All: Accelerating and Scaling Implementation of the New Urban Agenda to 2036 Together," the meeting will examine achievements, remaining challenges and future priorities for creating more inclusive, resilient and sustainable cities. The review comes a decade after the New Urban Agenda was adopted in 2016 as a global framework for sustainable urban development and its contribution to the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

South Africa to promote people-centred urban development

The Department of Human Settlements said Simelane will use the international platform to reaffirm South Africa's commitment to inclusive development, adequate housing and climate-resilient communities. The country's priorities include transforming informal settlements, expanding integrated human settlements and ensuring that urban development benefits all citizens.

Delegates will discuss policy innovations, financing mechanisms and practical solutions that can help countries accelerate implementation of the New Urban Agenda while addressing housing shortages, rapid urbanisation and growing environmental pressures. The meeting is also expected to strengthen international cooperation and conclude with the adoption of a political declaration aimed at renewing global commitment to sustainable urban development.

South Africa and Libya strengthen housing cooperation

On the sidelines of the meeting, Simelane held bilateral talks with Libya's Minister of Housing and Construction, Eng. Essam Al-Tamouni, to explore opportunities for closer cooperation between the two countries.

The discussions focused on affordable housing, integrated human settlements, upgrading informal settlements, innovative construction technologies, urban planning and housing finance models. Both ministers agreed to strengthen technical cooperation through a bilateral framework that will promote knowledge sharing and support the development of sustainable, inclusive and resilient communities.

According to the department, the engagement reflects the shared commitment of South Africa and Libya to advancing Agenda 2063 while deepening cooperation across the African continent.