UPSC Prelims 2017 Q60: Environment & Ecology – International Environmental Treaties & Summits
With reference to the role of UN - Habitat in the United Nations programme working towards
a better urban future, which of the statements is/are correct?
1. UN - Habitat has been mandated by the United Nations General Assembly to promote socially
and environmentally sustainable towns and cities to provide adequate shelter for all.
2. Its partners are either governments or local urban authorities only.
3. UN - Habitat contributes to the overall objective of the United Nations system to reduce poverty
and to promote access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- (a) 1, 2 and 3
- (b) 1 and 3 only
- (c) 2 and 3 only
- (d) 1 only
Answer: (b) 1 and 3 only
Explanation
UN-Habitat
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme, set up in 1978.
Headquarters: Nairobi, Kenya.
| Statement | Verdict | Fact |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Mandated by the United Nations General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities to provide adequate shelter for all | Correct | This is its mandate |
| 2. Its partners are either governments or local urban authorities only | Incorrect | It also works with NGOs, civil society, the private sector and universities |
| 3. It contributes to the overall objective of the United Nations system to reduce poverty and to promote access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation | Correct | It supports the development goals on poverty, water and sanitation |
Habitat conferences:
| Conference | Year | Place |
|---|---|---|
| Habitat I | 1976 | Vancouver |
| Habitat II | 1996 | Istanbul |
| Habitat III | 2016 | Quito (adopted the New Urban Agenda) |
Answer: (b) 1 and 3 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Statement 2 is false; its partners are not only governments and local authorities.
- (b) CORRECT. UN-Habitat has a General Assembly mandate and works on poverty, water and sanitation.
- (c) Incorrect. Statement 2 is false and statement 1, on the mandate, is true.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement 3 is also true: it helps reduce poverty and widen basic sanitation.
Key point
UN-Habitat (1978, Nairobi): UN programme for sustainable towns and cities and adequate shelter for all; wide range of partners; New Urban Agenda (2016).
Remember
UN-Habitat = Nairobi, sustainable cities, shelter for all.
Common mistakes
- Accepting statement 2 despite the word 'only'.
- Placing the headquarters in Geneva or New York; it is in Nairobi.
- Confusing UN-Habitat with UNEP, which is also based in Nairobi.
Exam tip
UN bodies almost always work with NGOs and the private sector too. 'Only governments' is a trap.
Sources
- UN-Habitat — About us: mandate
- United Nations — New Urban Agenda (Habitat III, Quito, 2016)