Global Report On Human Settlements 2013

As noted under Section 2, I above, the preparation of the GRHS series is mandated by the General Assembly, The theme and focus of the present issue (GRAS 2013) has been decided by UN-Habitat's Executive Director.Based on Section 2.2 above, there is need to produce evidence-based information to promote sustainable urban  transportation, through timely, sound scientific collection and analysis Of data, policy evidence and dialogue, advocacy and strategic partnerships. The key issues that will be addressed in the GRHS 2013 include; urban transport infrastructure; environmental sustainability of urban transport; financing urban transport', urban form and land-use; transport and mobility; safety in urban transport; public and non-motorised transport; social and distributional aspects of mobility and urban transport,In the short-term, the project will contribute towards improved global awareness of sustainable urbanization issues, in line with Focus Area I of the MTS[P 2008-2013. [n the long-term, the project will contribute towards  improvement of the quality of life in cities through the implementation (by governments, local authorities and Habitat Agenda partners) of well-informed policies and strategies with respect to planning and management for sustainable towns and cities.The Research and Capacity Development Branch recognizes that this flagship report will contribute to improved knowledge on and awareness Of sustainable urban development issues, among governments and Habitat Agenda Partners, The project seeks to draw on empirical trends, experiences and case studies internationally, wherever possible. This is done with a view to reporting on the current state of affairs with respect to the implementation of sustainable urban transport as an operational vision and as a basis for developing more enlightened approaches for the future from the lessons learned, Further, the support of technical advisory and capacity building activities in regions and countries, as indicted in the MTSIP would be enhanced.The HS-Net Advisory Board and a range of other external reviewers provides expert advice to UN-Habitat on  the substantive content ofthe GRHS 2013. The recently launched World Urban Campaign provides an opportunity for the project to provide accurate information and compilation of good practices and policies with respect to sustainable urbanization issues, This would contribute to spearheading UN-Habitat's knowledge services and policy advisory services at the global and regional levels.