UNITED NATIONS	HS
	Commission on Human Settlements	Distr. LIMITED HS/C/17/L.11/Rev.2 14 May 1999 ORIGINAL: ENGLISH

The Commission on Human Settlements,

Recalling its resolution 14/7 of 5 May 1993, on the strengthening of regional activities, which gives high priority to regional activities within the framework of the development of the Centre,

Also recalling its resolution 15/7 of 1 May 1995, on supporting the Executive Director of the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (Habitat), in consultation with Governments, to establish regional offices of the Centre as a way of strengthening its presence and activities in the regions, as well as its resolution 16/25 of 7 May 1997, on the establishment of the Fukuoka office;

Further recalling its resolution 16/10 of 6 May 1997, recognizing the support given by the Government of Turkey and the city of Istanbul to the organization of the Habitat II Conference;

Taking into consideration the two reports prepared by the Executive Director pursuant to resolution 16/19, paragraph 2 (g), of 7 May 1997, which clarified the mandate of the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (Habitat) regional offices, outlined the regionalization strategy of the Centre and emphasized that regional offices should be an integral part of the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (Habitat), contributing fully to the implementation of the work programme,

Taking note of the ongoing revitalization and reform of the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (Habitat),

Taking into account the mandate and the responsibilities of the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (Habitat) as defined in the Habitat Agenda, 1/

Having considered the report of the Executive Director on the activities of the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements, 2/

1. Takes note with interest of the regionalization strategy presented by the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (Habitat) in response to resolution 15/7 of the Commission and the establishment of regional offices as an integral part of the Centre;

2. Acknowledges the valuable work undertaken by the Rio and Fukuoka offices of the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (Habitat) since their inception;

3. Notes with appreciation the offer made by the Government of Turkey to host an office of the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (Habitat) in Istanbul, Turkey;

4. Requests the Executive Director to elaborate a comprehensive strategy for the representation of the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (Habitat) in the regions, its decentralized functions and its offices other than in Nairobi, taking into account the responsibilities which the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (Habitat) has been given in the implementation of the Habitat Agenda, the new strategic focus of the Centre, its revitalized and integrated approach of work and the new organizational structure;

5. Recommends that the Executive Director, in preparing his report, take into account the experiences of existing regional offices, information offices and liaison offices, in particular with respect to existing arrangements and offers for the hosting and the funding of offices;

6. Also recommends that the Executive Director include in his report, inter alia, an analysis of costs, funds and financial needs for United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (Habitat) representation outside its headquarters, including costs incurred in the medium and long term;

7. Further recommends that the Executive Director, for the purposes of achieving cost-effectiveness and positive synergies, consider, inter alia, the following points:

(a) The possibility of co-located offices of the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (Habitat) and the United Nations Environment Programme, respecting the distinct identities of the two organizations as well as the modalities for existing arrangements;

(b) The relationship between the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (Habitat) offices in the regions and the United Nations Development Programme (including in its role as the United Nations Resident Coordinator);

(c) The relationship between the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (Habitat) offices in the regions and the United Nations regional commissions;

8. Requests the Executive Director to consult further with the Government of Turkey on the financial and practical modalities of the hosting of a United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (Habitat) Istanbul office;

9. Also requests the Executive Director to submit a report on the implementation of the present resolution, including his recommendation on the establishment of new offices of the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (Habitat), including the possible office in Istanbul, to the Commission at its next session.

2/    HS/C/17/2