NAIROBI, May 27 (Xinhua) -- An urban solution exposition opened on Monday at the UN-Habitat Assembly in Nairobi to help promote innovative and sustainable solutions to challenges facing cities and communities.
Maimunah Mohd Sharif, UN-Habitat executive director, said the exposition is aimed at showcasing housing solutions from different parts of the world.
"This is an important event that will be held during every UN Habitat assembly to promote knowledge-sharing amongst the UN member states," Sharif told journalists on the sidelines of the UN Habitat assembly in Nairobi.
She noted that the exposition is being operated in collaboration with the private sector, local authorities, UN agencies, international organizations, civil society and academia.
"Stakeholders will present innovative projects, establish connections and look at how we can reshape the future of our cities and communities," Sharif said.
She warned that with 3 million people moving to cities and other urban centers every week in Africa and Asia, urban planners require new and innovative knowledge for the growth of the cities.
"Part of the exposition is to enable delegates and experts brainstorm on how to manage problems such as waste disposal and plastic recycling," Sharif said.
The UN Habitat team is looking forward to the discussions with businesses, local governments and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) on how innovation in cities can provide solutions to achieving sustainable and inclusive urban prosperity and opportunities for all, she said.
"All the events, including plenary and side events, will review major trends and international best practices related to human settlements and sustainable urbanization," Sharif said.
More than 3,000 participants, including senior representatives from over 40 member states, as well as mayors from cities around the world are attending the the first UN-Habitat Assembly.
