Nigeria’s Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Dangiwa, has assumed the Chair of the UN-Habitat Executive Board during its inaugural 2024 session in Nairobi.
The session, which runs from May 6 to 8, is a pivotal moment for the United Nations Human Settlements Programme, convening at its headquarters.
Mr. Mark Chieshe, the minister’s Special Assistant on Media and Strategy, highlighted the meeting’s significance, emphasizing the board’s commitment to transforming UN-Habitat into a formidable force for addressing the complexities of human settlements.
In a passionate call to action, Arc. Dangiwa urged his fellow board members to intensify their efforts, aiming to elevate the organisation’s role in shaping sustainable urban development strategies.
He underscored the unique responsibility entrusted to the board, advocating for a collaborative approach to steward the global human settlements agenda with integrity and dedication.
Leveraging his dual role as Chairman of the Shelter Afrique Development Bank’s 2023 AGM Bureau, Arc. Dangiwa envisioned creating synergies that will further the objectives of UN-Habitat. His leadership marks a strategic move for Nigeria, which holds one of the ten African seats on the 36-member legislative body of UN-Habitat.
The Executive Board’s composition, also reflects a global partnership, with representation from Asia-Pacific, Eastern Europe, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Western Europe. All are united in their mission to foster sustainable urban environments.