UN-HABITAT has formally notified the Federal Government of Mexico that it will support efforts to institutionalize the recovery of urban public spaces, and to share its experiences with other countries in the region and globally.
The announcement follows a three-day seminar 22-25 November on inclusive public spaces for sustainable cities which drew more than 350 local and international delegates.
UN-HABITAT representatives cited the need for sharing the goal of placing harmonious public spaces on the agenda of local authorities as a practical means for improving urban quality of life. Participants were also challenged to put equal emphasis on the social, environmental and economic benefits of improved public spaces, and to identify activities affordable to the community, highly visible and immediately accessible to all.
The seminar was organized as part of the Public Space Rescue Programme of the Ministry of Social Development (SEDESOL), Federal Government of Mexico and UN-HABITAT. The discussions among the Mexican officials were complemented by presentations from public space experts from Chile, the United States of America, France, Spain and Kenya, among others.
