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UN chief calls for new vision for urbanization

Xinhua, April 13, 2016 Adjust font size:

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Tuesday said the world needs a new vision for urbanization, a "New Urban Agenda," to help protect the environment and limit climate change.

While meeting with Rafael Correa Delgado, president of the Republic of Ecuador, here on Tuesday, Ban thanked Correa for hosting the third United Nations Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development (HABITAT III), which will take place in Quito, capital of Ecuador, from Oct. 17-20.

"Habitat III is a historic opportunity for change," Ban said. "It is happening during the critical first year of implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The success of this ambitious endeavour will be largely determined by how we live in, design and manage our cities."

Underlining that the world's population is living "in the urban century," with more than half the global population in urban areas, Ban said: "That is why we need a new vision for urbanization -- a New Urban Agenda."

Ban also that he looks forward to the success of Habitat III, and is confident that the conference will deliver the impetus for sustainable development the global community needs.

In addition, Ban commended Ecuador for the support it is providing for the Colombia peace process and for the country's contributions to the work of the United Nations. Endit