Report Published by: Norwegian Ministry of Local Government and Modernisatio Public institutions may order additional copies from: Third United Nations Conference Norwegian Government Security and Service Organisation on Housing and Sustainable Urban E-mail: [email protected] Internet: www.publikasjoner.dep.no Telephone: + 47 22 24 00 00 Development (Habitat III) Publication number: X-0000 E Design: Andvord Grafi sk Norwegian National Report Front page photo: Marianne Gjørv Print: Trykkerinavn xx/201X - Impression XXXX Report Third United Nations Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development (Habitat III) Norwegian National Report Foreword In Quito, Ecuador, in October 2016, the whole world will The physical environment affects human behaviour. discuss the urban challenges and lessons learned since Future challenges that should be addressed are closely Habitat II in Istanbul in 1996. The Third United Nations related to the maintenance of houses, public areas, Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban meeting places, gardens, parks, pavements and general Development (Habitat III) will agree on a New Urban outdoor surroundings. Agenda. The Norwegian National Report is an important contribution to these discussions. It was with great pleasure that Norway participated in the expert group developing the International Urbanisation is one of the defining features of the 21st Guidelines for Urban and Territorial Planning, which century. In less than four decades, 70% of the world’s have been presented at the UN-Habitat Governing population is expected to live in urban areas. Hence, Council Meeting in April 2015. Cooperation and the ‘Cities are where the battle for sustainable develop- exchange of experiences on an international scale are ment will be won or lost’, as the High Level Panel put it. crucial in order to create resilient and sustainable cities. The world's urban population is expected to increase In the Habitat Agenda adopted in 1996, heads of state from 3.5 to 6.2 billion by 2050. The urban migration is and governments committed themselves to two main expected to be especially severe in the South. In about goals, i.e. “Adequate Shelter for All” and “Sustainable 15 years more people in the developing world will live Human Settlements in an Urbanizing World”, and to in cities than in rural areas. The population of Norway is implementing a Plan of Action based on these goals. also steadily growing. We are projected to reach 6 The Norwegian National Report describes how the million inhabitants in few years' time, which is a growth Norwegian government has followed up these goals of more than 1.5 million in 20 years. In our country, too, since 1996, the challenges we have faced and the the inhabitants are moving towards the cities. policies we have developed to meet these challenges. The report also describes future challenges that we We have seen some of the consequences of climate believe will be important in a discussion of a New change and have experienced what we will meet in the Urban Agenda and the post-2015 UN Development future. The world's cities are likely to be a key arena in Agenda. In this context, we find it important that “Make which to address a number of challenges: homeless- cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient ness and slums, clean and sufficient water and clean air, and sustainable” is one of the proposed New Sustain- sanitation and waste, health, education, empowerment able Goals (No. 11) that will be presented to the General of women and youth, sustainable energy and climate Assembly in September this year. change. To ensure sustainable cities, we need an integrated approach to these challenges. We are looking forward to the discussions on the New Urban Agenda in the lead-up to, and during, the Of course, we can never completely avoid natural HABITAT III conference. disasters, but there are ways of making countries and communities more resilient and better prepared to Oslo, April 2015 tackle the effects of such events. Adaptation and mitigation must be an integral part of public policy and all local and regional planning processes. Planning processes can also play a significant part in reducing climate gas emissions. Last year, we launched new planning guidelines for dwellings, land use and transportation in order to reduce the need for transportation, for both businesses and people, and ensure resilient urban development. Our goal is more liveable and vibrant cities, where sustainable transpor- tation is preferred and where cycling and walking to Minister of Local Government everyday activities is the first choice. and Modernisation 5 Contents Foreword ........................................................................................................................................................................ 5 Summary ........................................................................................................................................................................ 8 I Urban Demographic Issues and Challenges for a New Urban Agenda ....................................... 9 1 Managing rapid urbanisation ....................................................................................................................... 10 2 Managing rural-urban linkages .................................................................................................................... 10 3 Addressing urban youth needs . 11 4 Responding to the needs of the aged ....................................................................................................... 12 5 Integrating gender in urban development .............................................................................................. 14 6 Challenges experienced and lessons learnt in these areas ................................................................. 14 7 Future challenges and issues in these areas (1-5) that could be addressed by a New Urban Agenda ...................................................................................................................................... 15 II Land and Urban Planning: Issues and Challenges for a New Urban Agenda ........................ 17 8 Ensuring sustainable urban planning and design ................................................................................. 17 9 Improving urban land management, including addressing urban sprawl ..................................... 18 10 Enhancing urban and peri-urban food p roduction ................................................................................ 19 11 Addressing urban mobility challenges ....................................................................................................... 20 12 Improving technical capacity to plan and manage cities .................................................................... 21 13 Challenges experienced and lessons learnt in these areas (8-12) ..................................................... 22 14 Future challenges and issues in these areas (8-12) that could be addressed by a New Urban Agenda ...................................................................................................................................... 23 III Environment and Urbanization: Issues and Challenges for a New Urban Agenda .................................................................................................................................... 25 15 Addressing climate change ........................................................................................................................... 25 16 Disaster risk reduction .................................................................................................................................... 26 17 Reducing traffic congestion ........................................................................................................................... 26 18 Air pollution ....................................................................................................................................................... 27 19 Challenges experienced and lessons learnt in these areas (15-17)) ................................................. 27 20 Future challenges and issues in these areas (15-17) that could be addressed by a New Urban Agenda ...................................................................................................................................... 29 IV Urban Governance and Legislation: Issues and Challenges for a New Urban Agenda ..... 30 21 Improving urban legislation ......................................................................................................................... 30 22 Decentralisation and strengthening of local authorities ..................................................................... 31 23 Improving participation and human rights in urban development .................................................. 31 6 24 Enhancing urban safety and security ......................................................................................................... 33 25 Improving social inclusion and equity ....................................................................................................... 34 26 Challenges experienced and lessons learnt in these areas ................................................................. 35 27 Future challenges and issues in these areas (20-24) that could be addressed by a New Urban Agenda .....................................................................................................................................