CONTEXT:

• India has been elected to the Executive Board of the first UN-Habitat Assembly.
• It was elected at the Plenary Session of the Assembly which started on 27 May 2019 in Nairobi, Kenya.
• The special theme for the UN-Habitat Assembly is Innovation for Better Quality of Life in Cities and Communities.

BACKGROUND:

• During the first session, The Assembly is expected to establish the Executive Board of UN-Habitat and elect its members, to review and approve the UN-Habitat Strategic Plan 2020-2025 and also review the Progress in the implementation of New Urban Agenda, among other things.
• A State which is a member of a Specialized Agency and the Observer Members States of the United Nations may participate in the deliberations of the UN-Habitat Assembly in the capacity of an observer.
• The Assembly will also be attended by United Nations Agencies, Local authorities and non-state actors including civil society, youth and women group representatives, the private sector and the Academia.