Background and Objectives:
In April 2006 UN-HABITAT and the Government of the Russian Federation signed a new Agreement of Cooperation for the next five years. The agreement establishes the principles, areas and mechanisms of cooperation in order to achieve the sustainable development of human settlements and to contribute to Millennium Development Goals.

The programme aims to improve and enhance cooperation between UN-HABITAT and the Russian Federation through its partner agency – the Federal Agency for Construction, Housing and Utilities.

The objectives are to:

• Improve the mechanisms of cooperation by establishing a Programme Implementation Unit in Moscow, thus making cooperation more results- orientated.
• Further strengthen and extend the network of Local Urban Observatories and the national Urban Observatory.
• Launch publication of a Biennial State of Russian Cities Report.    

Activities:
The main activities include:

• Information Activities including publication of a Russian Version of Habitat Debate and Observance of World Habitat Day.
• Organizing expert group meetings and workshops to address challenges of housing reform including social housing, project formulation and multi-apartment housing blocks maintenance and management.

Results:

• Four issues of Habitat Debate printed in 2006.
• Awareness raised on importance of sustainable urban development challenges, shelter for all and addressing needs of low-income citizens.
• Involvement of local authorities enhanced in UN-HABITAT-led activities in Russia.
• Feasibility study for a UN-HABITAT office in Moscow completed.
• Existing Local Urban Observatory (LUO) strengthened and at least two new LUOs established.
• First Biennial State of Russian Cities Report.