UPSC Prelims 2017 Question:

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 contributed 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:

Explanation: 

• The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is mandated by the UN General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities. UN-Habitat is the focal point for all urbanization and human settlement matters within the UN system. It intends to improve the quality of life for all in an urbanizing world. So, statement 1 is correct.
  
  
• UN-Habitat collaborates with governments, intergovernmental, UN agencies, civil society organizations, foundations, academic institutions and the private sector to achieve enduring results in addressing the challenges of urbanization. So, statement 2 is not correct.
  
  
• In order to promote socially and environmentally sustainable cities the UN-Habitat is contributing towards reducing poverty and promoting access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation along with improving transportation facilities, solid waste management facilities and housing facilities etc. So, statement 3 is correct.
  
  

Therefore, option (2) is the correct answer.

Subject: Environment | Environmental Organisations and Conventions