Background and Objectives:

This initiative aims to contribute to the realization of the Millennium Declaration Goal, "Cities without Slums," by working with member states to improve conditions of people living and working in informal settlements in selected cities. The initiative draws upon the UN-HABITAT Global Campaigns for Secure Tenure and Urban Governance.

The objective of the Sub-Regional Programme is to work with member states in the sub-region to realize the Millennium Development goal, “Cities without Slums.” This is done by strengthening institutional arrangements and partnerships that support the improvement of conditions of people living and working in slums in select cities of Eastern and Southern Africa.

This inception phase will include consultations with member states and international development partners, the preparation of a situation analysis report, and the formation of distinct consultative working groups (private sector, NGOs, government, international agencies, and grassroots organizations). The report will be a rapid appraisal of the conditions of slums and informal settlements based on common indicators. The report will also assess the effectiveness of past and on-going upgrading initiatives within the framework of the overall city development strategy and national poverty reduction frameworks. Consultations held at all levels and across all sectors of society will be developed into a high-level forum.

Activities:
The main activities include;

• Organizing seminars, workshops and training activities for stakeholders;
• Updating resource/reference database for upgrading at the local level with links to other cities;
• Preparing thematic research reports on subject areas of upgrading with particular focus on the situation in Addis Ababa;
• Implementing awareness raising and effective measures for incorporating gender focus and dimensions in upgrading activities;
• Developing and supporting local, regional and national research capacities and activities;
• Preparing report(s) on the implementation of the inception phase;
• Preparing a detailed action plan for a citywide upgrading programme.

Results:

• Slum Situation Report prepared for Addis Ababa;
• Action plan shared for citywide slum upgrading programme;
• Consultation workshops and seminars organized;
• Dialogue enhanced between Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), slum dwellers and the local government via the consultation process.