Its activities contribute to the overall objective of the United Nations system to reduce poverty and promote sustainable development within the context and the challenges of a rapidly urbanising world. UNCHS manages the two main campaigns, 'Global Campaign for Secure Tenure' and 'Global Campaign on Urban Governance' reflecting its involvement in urban settlement areas.
With regard to water, the UNCHS has launched the Water for African Cities Programme as a product of the United System-wide Initiative on Africa (UNSIA - www.un-urbanwater.net) working together with city and local authorities, national governments, the private sector, civil society, resource centres and the media. The objective is to tackle the urban water crisis in African cities through water demand management, capacity building to mitigate the environmental impact of urbanisation on freshwater resources and boosting awareness and information exchange on water management and conservation. It also promotes the exchange of best practices in urban water management in support of the implementation of the Habitat Agenda.
UN-Habitat website