NEW YORK, United States — Former Health Cabinet Secretary Nakhumicha S. Wafula has reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to advancing sustainable urban development after leading the country’s delegation to the High-Level Meeting on the Midterm Review of the New Urban Agenda in New York.
The meeting was held on the sidelines of the 2026 High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development and brought together world leaders and policymakers to assess progress in implementing the New Urban Agenda.
In a statement shared after the meeting, Wafula said she had the honour of delivering Kenya’s national statement at the United Nations General Assembly Hall.
“Honoured to lead the Kenya delegation to New York for the High-Level Meeting on the Midterm Review of the New Urban Agenda, held on the margins of the 2026 High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Urbanization.“
She added:
“I had the privilege of delivering Kenya’s national statement in the United Nations General Assembly Hall, reaffirming our unwavering commitment to the global agenda for sustainable urbanization.”
Reviewing a Decade of Progress
According to Wafula, the meeting provided participating countries with an opportunity to evaluate achievements made over the past decade in implementing the New Urban Agenda while identifying challenges that continue to affect sustainable urban development.
“The High-Level Meeting provided an important opportunity to take stock of the progress made over the past decade, reflect on the challenges encountered in implementing the New Urban Agenda, and renew our collective resolve to build inclusive, resilient, and sustainable cities and human settlements.”
The New Urban Agenda is a global framework adopted by United Nations member states to guide sustainable urbanization, improve the quality of life in cities, and promote inclusive, resilient and environmentally sustainable human settlements.
Kenya Reaffirms Global Commitment
Wafula said Kenya remains committed to working with international partners to accelerate the implementation of the agenda over the coming years.
“As we look ahead to the next decade of implementation, Kenya remains committed to working with all partners to accelerate action and ensure that the vision of the New Urban Agenda is fully realized—leaving no one and no place behind.”
Kenya has continued to pursue policies aimed at improving urban planning, expanding access to housing and essential services, strengthening climate resilience and promoting sustainable cities in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The High-Level Political Forum is the United Nations’ principal platform for reviewing global progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and advancing sustainable development commitments.
