NAIROBI, March 24 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Human Settlements Program (UN-Habitat) and China's Tongji University signed a letter of intent on Monday in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, to strengthen cooperation in sustainable urban development.

Anaclaudia Rossbach, executive director of UN-Habitat, and Zheng Qinghua, president of Tongji University, attended the signing ceremony, pledging to enhance the exchange of practices to accelerate urban renewal globally.

Highlighting more than two decades of partnership between the institutions, Rossbach said the cooperation has promoted evidence-based solutions to urbanization challenges such as pollution and inadequate housing.

"Our collaboration is aligned with the purpose of our new strategic plan and direction, connecting research to practice. Our joint efforts focus on data, urban basic services, waste management and water supply," Rossbach said.

UN-Habitat, along with member states, is finalizing proposals for submission at the UN-Habitat Assembly scheduled for May, she said. These proposals, spanning 2026 to 2029, focus on improving access to decent housing, land and essential urban services.

She said that the collaboration with Tongji University will strengthen UN-Habitat's capacity to address pressing global challenges, including climate change, poverty, conflicts and natural disasters.

Rossbach also noted that her recent visit to China deepened her insights into sustainable urban planning, underscoring the necessity of replicating successful Chinese urban regeneration practices in the Global South.

Oumar Sylla, regional representative of UN-Habitat Regional Office for Africa, said that the newly signed letter of intent outlines collaborative efforts in waste management, urban planning, artificial intelligence and capacity building.

Zheng reaffirmed Tongji University's commitment to cooperation with UN-Habitat, emphasizing the readiness to support projects that transform urban settlements and enhance residents' quality of life.

"We will have more opportunities to engage in personnel training, as well as scientific and technological innovation," Zheng said, adding that the university aims to contribute expertise through strengthened international cooperation toward sustainable global development.

Meanwhile, UN-Habitat and Tongji University agreed to establish the Africa Climate and Environment Research Institute, focusing on cooperation in water resources management and solid waste treatment in Africa. Enditem

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