 The new Permanent Representative of Israel to UN-HABITAT, Mr. Jacob Keidar, on Wednesday presented his credentials to the Executive Director, Mrs. Anna Tibaijuka.
Welcoming the envoy, Mrs. Tibaijuka thanked the Government of Israel for its moral and financial support to the organization. She noted that Israel and UN-HABITAT have been enjoying good relations and assured the envoy that UN-HABITAT had made impressive progress in the last few years. Mrs. Tibaijuka also informed the envoy that UN-HABITAT has increased its activities in Israel.
Mrs. Tibaijuka recalled that during her visit to Israel in 2005, she signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Israel Centre for International Cooperation (MASHAV) to advance technical training of professionals in the field of human settlements. The MOU also include training of professionals for capacity building in local government and land administration.
The Executive Director noted that Israel has made substantial progress in the development of solar technology and called for technical cooperation between Israel and UN-HABITAT in this field for the benefit of slum dwellers.
Mr. Keidar pointed out that solar technology is now compulsory for all new buildings in Israel because it is cheap and a one-off expenditure. He assured the Executive Director of his country’s willingness to work with UN-HABITAT to ensure the development of solar energy for slum dwellers. |
