United for Enhancing Quality of Life in Cities an Inter-Regional Approach

United for Enhancing Quality of Life in Cities: an Inter-Regional Approach’ is a ONE UN event that represents a pivotal collaboration among the 5 United Nations Regional Commissions and UN-Habitat. This event aims to unveil the multi-dimensionality of the Quality of Life (QoL) in cities, recognizing that urban well-being encompasses a spectrum of interconnected factors that influence the daily lives of urban dwellers.
As the global population continues to urbanize at an unprecedented rate, cities are faced with increasingly complex challenges that impact the QoL of their residents. These challenges range from access to basic services such as housing, healthcare, and education, to broader issues such as environmental sustainability, social cohesion, and economic opportunities.
By adopting an inter-regional approach, this event seeks to transcend geographical boundaries and foster a holistic understanding of urban QoL. It will present the results of an inter-regional substantive analysis of QoL in cities which recognizes that while the specific contexts and challenges of cities may vary across regions, there are overarching principles and strategies that can be universally applied to enhance urban well-being.
Through a panel discussion on the factors affecting QoL in cities in the different regions of the World, the event will explore the linkages between regional development priorities and advancing QoL in cities. Among others, the event will address social inclusion and equity by addressing disparities in access to essential services, opportunities, and resources within urban communities, and promoting policies and initiatives that foster inclusion and equality. The proposed event will also discuss health and well-being by examining the role of healthcare systems, public spaces, and community amenities in promoting physical and mental well-being among urban residents. Moreover, it will address issues related to economic opportunities for enhancing QoL in cities. Indeed, identifying strategies to foster economic growth and urban economic resilience, entrepreneurship, and job creation in cities, while ensuring equitable access to economic opportunities for all segments of the population affects urban QoL. The environmental dimension also impacts the QoL of Cities and so is governance and participation. Promoting participatory decision-making processes, citizen engagement, and accountable governance mechanisms to ensure that urban policies and programs are responsive to the needs and aspirations of diverse urban stakeholders.
By convening stakeholders from diverse regions, this ONE UN event aims to catalyze collaborative action towards building inclusive, sustainable, and resilient cities that prioritize QoL for all. Through shared learning, exchange of good practices, and collective action, it is possible to build cities that are not only vibrant and prosperous but also equitable, inclusive, and conducive to human well-being.