Towards 2030: Tec and UN-Habitat team up for sustainable urban future

Aiming to strengthen sustainable urban development in Mexico and Latin America, Tec de Monterrey and UN-Habitat have announced a partnership to advance implementation of the New Urban Agenda (NUA).

The NUA is the global guide explaining how planned and managed urbanization can accelerate achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Ramiro Estrada from the School of Architecture, Art, and Design in Mexico City emphasized how this agreement marks a significant milestone for Tecnológico de Monterrey.

“And in particular, this is a milestone for the School of Architecture, Art, and Design, as it aligns with institutional guidelines and pillars for 2030. 

“This agreement reinforces the commitment to imagine and build sustainable habitats in line with the challenges posed by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” he said.

The agreement lays the groundwork for UN-Habitat and the Tec to collaborate on raising public awareness about urban issues.

Furthermore, it aims to promote, share, and disseminate individual, academic, business, and public initiatives focused on strengthening human settlements.

“The alliance is growing stronger and adds new commitments as we look toward the future: collaborating in international urban forums and publishing the Spanish version of the Public Space Manual, a key tool for transforming our cities,” he added.

Under this agreement, the Tec is expected to contribute to research and development, while UN-Habitat will contribute its global expertise in sustainable urban development. 

Tecnológico de Monterrey and UN-Habitat see great potential in their shared goals of promoting high-impact projects.

“Their goal is to work together to build fairer, more sustainable, and resilient communities by 2030,” said the designer.

“This agreement reinforces the commitment to imagine and build sustainable habitats.”

A collaboration with more than 15 years of history

The initial contact between the Tec and UN-Habitat took place in early 2007, when the first cooperation agreement was signed.

Later, in 2023, the New Urban Agenda diploma course was established.

“The collaboration between Tecnológico de Monterrey and UN-Habitat began in 2007, when the then Executive Director, Joan Clos, visited our facilities to sign the first cooperation agreement. 

“In 2023, the New Urban Agenda Diploma Course was launched, a program that has provided knowledge and tools to government stakeholders, companies, and organizations in Mexico and more than seven Latin American countries,” said Ramiro Estrada. 

The dean added that, thanks to this degree program, doors were opened to other types of strategic collaborations with local governments at critical times, such as during the pandemic.

About UN-Habitat

The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is responsible for promoting a better urban future.

This organization’s mission is to promote the development of human settlements that are socially and environmentally sustainable.

Additionally, they promote access to decent and affordable housing for all.

The 17Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were adopted by the United Nations in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that by 2030, all people enjoy peace and prosperity.

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