Concordia and UN-Habitat partner to advance sustainable cities
Concordia and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) have entered into a new partnership that seeks to address some of the world’s most pressing urban challenges.
On September 18, during a bilateral meeting at the offices of Montréal International, representatives from Concordia and UN-Habitat signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU). The agreement sets the stage for joint applied research projects in areas such as affordable housing, climate resilience, access to essential services and sustainable land use.
A shared commitment to sustainable cities
The signing followed the inauguration of UN-Habitat’s new Canadian office at Montreal’s City Hall. Anacláudia Rossbach, executive director and a United Nations under-secretary-general, joined representatives from the Government of Canada, the Ministère des Relations internationales et de la Francophonie du Québec, the City of Montral and Montréal International to celebrate the milestone.
“Montreal is now the home city for the UN-Habitat office in Canada”, said Concordia President Graham Carr. “We are proud to join forces with an organization that shares our commitment to sustainable cities and to put Concordia’s expertise to work on this global challenge.”
As a result of this agreement, Concordia and UN-Habitat will co-develop innovative projects, create educational programs, build capacity for sustainable development and foster international policy dialogue.
Michael Bossert, manager of strategy, innovation and outreach at Concordia’s Next Generation Cities Institute (NGCI), called the collaboration a natural fit:
“Our institute is dedicated to impact-driven research that transforms urban environments. Partnering with UN-Habitat amplifies our ability to make real change in Montral and beyond.”
The agreement was signed by Concordia President Graham Carr and Anacláudia Rossbach, executive director of UN-Habitat.
It was witnessed by two representatives from UN-Habitat Canada: Omar Siddique, head of office, and Fee Stehle, program officer; along with representatives from Concordia: Aaron Johnson, associate vice-president of research; William Cheaib, chief of staff and associate vice-president, international; Ivona Bossert, advisor for science communication and engagement at NGCI; and Michael Bossert.
"Cities across the world are experiencing enormous challenges,” says Rossbach, “The global housing crisis, rapid urbanization, the affordability gap, and climate change put local governments under enormous pressures. To adequately support national and subnational governments in their response, UN-Habitat needs vital partnerships with research institutions like Concordia. I think the name of the Next Generation Cities Institute provides the right frame for our collaboration – let’s work together to make the cities of tomorrow more equitable and sustainable."
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