UN-HABITAT and the government of Angola on Thursday signed an agreement that will allow the agency to establish a national office in that country.  | Mrs. Anna Tibaijuka, Executive Director UN-Habitat, with Dr Antonio Paulo Kassoma,Prime Minister of Angola |
The five year agreement was signed by UN-HABITAT Executive Director, Mrs Anna Tibaijuka and the Vice Minister for External Affairs George Rebelo Chicoty. Also present were the Prime Minister Antonio Paulo Kassoma and the Minister for Urban Development and Housing Diankumpuna Sita José. The agreement was the outcome of fruitful discussions Mrs Tibaijuka had with the Angolan officials when she was in Luanda for the World Day celebrations last October. It was also made possible due to the strong support of the UN Resident Coordinator in Angola Mrs. Jocelline Basile-Finlay. Responsibilities for the office will include encouraging international cooperation to implement the Habitat Agenda in Angola, cooperate with regional and international organizations, national government, local authorities, civil society institutions and private sector and promote the implementation of UN-HABITAT global programmes and global campaigns in Angola. The office, to which the Angolan has pledged the first USD 680,000 will also raise funds, together with UN-HABITAT Headquarters, for the formulation and implementation of activities and programmes in Angola, promote and implement UN-HABITAToperational activities in Angola as well as organize international, regional and national conferences on human settlements issues. During the talks with the Executive Director, the government of Angola expressed the need for immediate support of UN-HABITAT on two specific matters - housing (social housing and finance) and land reform.
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