UN-Habitat Iran

Category: News

  • UN-Habitat Champions Climate Education with Solar School Pilot in Tehran

    UN-Habitat Champions Climate Education with Solar School Pilot in Tehran

    In a landmark move toward sustainable urban development, UN-Habitat providing support for the first school in Tehran equipped with a solar energy generation system. This initiative marks a significant milestone in promoting climate-conscious infrastructure and environmental education at the community level.

    Supported by the Republic of Korea as the International Partner the initiative is implemented under the framework of Policy #Four of Iran’s National Urban Policy (NUP), which in a part, prioritizes climate change mitigation and environmental resilience. By integrating renewable energy into the educational environment, the initiative aims to reduce carbon emissions, lower energy costs, and inspire future generations to adopt sustainable practices.

    Beyond the installation of solar panels, the program includes a robust capacity-building Component targeting both students and local residents. In cooperation with the Urban Regeneration Corporation of Iran, National Habitat Committee and Ministry of Education as the national partners, and through interactive workshops and expert-led sessions, participants will explore practical solutions to pressing urban environmental challenges including waste, water and energy.

    “Empowering communities through education and clean energy is central to our mission,” said a UN-Habitat spokesperson. “This school is not only a model of green infrastructure—it’s a hub for environmental awareness and action.”

    The initiative demonstrating the implementation of NUP policies in I.R. Iran, reflects UN-Habitat’s commitment to localizing global sustainability goals and fostering inclusive urban transformation. It also demonstrates the potential of cross-sector collaboration in advancing Iran’s climate agenda and strengthening community resilience.

    The pilot school is expected to serve as a blueprint for future green energy projects across Tehran and other urban centers in Iran.

  • International Dialogue on Rental Public Housing: UN-Habitat Facilitates Experience Sharing Between Republic of Korea and I.R. Iran

    International Dialogue on Rental Public Housing: UN-Habitat Facilitates Experience Sharing Between Republic of Korea and I.R. Iran

    Tehran, 27 August 2025 – A specialized seminar on “South Korea’s Experience in Public Rental Housing” was held at the Ministry of Roads and Urban Development, initiated by the UN-Habitat Tehran Office in Cooperation with the National Habitat Committee, the Deputy for Housing and Building and the Embassy of Republic of Korea in Tehran. The seminar was part of UN-Habitat’s ongoing efforts to support the Ministry’s exploration of rental housing as a recent approach under consideration for advancing public housing in I.R. Iran.

    The event commenced with opening remarks by His Excellency Habibullah Taherkhani the Deputy Minister of Housing and His Excellency Kim Junpyo the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the Islamic Republic of Iran, Mr. Behrooz Malaki, Adivsor to the minister and Mr. Afshin Kalantari, the Officer in Charge of UN-Habitat Iran office.

    During the seminar, bringing together senior Iranian officials and a high-level South Korean delegation, the seminar facilitated dialogue on professional rental housing systems and policy innovations aimed at expanding access to affordable housing for low-income groups.

    The exchange was held in alignment with new UN-Habitat Strategic Plan and a key policy area within the Iranian National Urban Policy (NUP) to promote adequate housing for all.

    Participants included representatives from the Ministry of Roads and Urban Development, the National Habitat Committee, UN-Habitat Tehran Office, South Korea’s Vice Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and senior officials from the Korea Land and Housing Corporation (LH) alongside private companies and representatives from Iranian corresponding media.

    The South Korean delegation presented a comprehensive overview of their six-decade journey in developing a professional rental housing system. Key features included long-term support for low-income households, progressive rental pricing, capped rent increases, and mechanisms for private sector engagement. Special schemes tailored for youth and newlyweds were also highlighted, demonstrating the flexibility of Korea’s model in addressing diverse demographic needs.

    Iranian officials emphasized the importance of contextualizing international best practices, noting that Korea’s stable economic conditions and institutional frameworks have played a critical role in sustaining rental housing policies. The seminar concluded with a shared commitment to deepen cooperation and adapt successful global experiences to enhance Iran’s housing strategies.

  • Experience Sharing and Knowledge Exchange Program on Risk-Based Urban Planning and Post-Disaster Reconstruction

    “Experience Sharing and Knowledge Exchange Program on Risk-Based Urban Planning and Post-Disaster Reconstruction” from 13 to 16 July 2025, UN-Habitat Iran Office hosted four impactful sessions in Tehran under the project “Emergency Support to Post Earthquake Reconstruction in Hormozgan province”. With generous support from the Government of Japan and in collaboration with the National Habitat Committee, these sessions brought together experts and institutions committed to a safer, more resilient urban future.

    Our Co-Organizing Partners were:

    • International Institute of Earthquake Engineering and Seismology (IIEES)
    • Roads, Housing and Urban Development Research Center (BHRC)
    • Urban Regeneration Corporation of Iran (URCI)
    • National Water and Wastewater Company (NWWC)

    Together, we explored: Housing reconstruction lessons, Risk-based urban replanning, post-disaster regeneration, Water-sensitive design policies

    Thank you to all participants who contributed their expertise toward building back better.

  • Agreement of Cooperation with the National Water and WasteWater Company of Iran for “Emergency Support to Post Earthquake Reconstruction in Hormozgan Province”

    Agreement of Cooperation with the National Water and WasteWater Company of Iran for “Emergency Support to Post Earthquake Reconstruction in Hormozgan Province”

     

    UN-Habitat and “NATIONAL WATER AND WASTEWATER COMPANY OF IRAN” signed the Agreement of Cooperation for the Project “Emergency Support to Post Earthquake Reconstruction in Hormozgan Province (PERHOPE)” on 22 December 2024.

    In cooperation with the Government of I.R. Iran and financial support of the Government of Japan, UN-Habitat is implementing the PERHOPE project on risk preparedness and resilience of facilities and local community against natural disasters as well as climate change impacts. The Project includes construction of a 500 m3 concrete water tank and participation in reconstruction of the water distribution system for the earthquake affected village of Sayeh-Khosh. The Project also bolsters participatory actions at multiple levels of government and community to develop an action plan to enhance the livelihood and resilience of Sayeh-Khosh people in a changing climate.

    The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) has been working in collaboration with the Government of I.R. Iran on enhancement of preparedness and resilience of infrastructures in Iran against natural disasters. Receiving the Emergency support of the Government of Japan since 2018, two projects “Inventory, Earthquake and Multi-Hazard Performance Evaluation of Existing Health Facilities in the Islamic Republic of Iran, BEHTAB Phase I” and “Emergency Support for Safer Hospitals and Settlements, BEHTAB Phase II“, with focus on risk preparedness and resilience of healthcare facilities have completed successfully and the Project “Emergency Support to Post Earthquake Reconstruction in Hormozgan Province, PERHOPE” is ongoing.

     

  • Experience Exchange: Urban Regeneration Insights from South Korea and Iran

    Experience Exchange: Urban Regeneration Insights from South Korea and Iran

    The expert discussion and knowledge-sharing program on Housing and Urban Regeneration was organized through collaboration between UN-Habitat, the Government of South Korea (Embassy of Korea in the Islamic Republic of Iran), and the Ministry of Roads and Urban Development (Urban Regeneration Corporation of Iran, URCI). This program, part of the cooperation framework between UN-Habitat’s office in Iran and the South Korean Embassy, included five technical sessions held from June to November 2024 in the URCI’s conference hall.

    The sessions were conducted in a hybrid format, attracting a total number of approximately 500 participants from across the country, both virtually and in person. The events featured high-level government officials, including Deputy Ministers of Roads and Urban Development, the CEO of the Urban Regeneration Corporation of Iran, and the honorable Ambassador of South Korea.

    During these sessions, South Korean academics and professionals shared valuable insights on the Regeneration Projects of Seoul and its suburbs, discussing both the challenges and solutions encountered along the way. This presentation sparked expert discussions between panelists from both countries and the participants.

    The UN-Habitat office in Iran expresses its gratitude to the Embassy of South Korea for providing experts from South Korea and to the Urban Regeneration Corporation of Iran for their continued collaboration in implementing joint activities.

      

  • World Cities Report 2024: Cities and Climate Action

    World Cities Report 2024: Cities and Climate Action

    Cities are uniquely positioned as both victims and contributors to climate change, facing severe impacts from extreme weather events while also being significant sources of greenhouse gas emissions. As urban areas expand, they concentrate vast populations and valuable assets in increasingly vulnerable locations, heightening the risk of catastrophic disasters. The challenges posed by climate change are compounded for marginalized communities, particularly the urban poor, who bear the brunt of its effects with limited resources. This situation underscores the necessity for a comprehensive approach that addresses not only environmental issues but also the social inequalities that exacerbate vulnerability.

    The World Cities Report 2024, recently published by UN-Habitat, highlights the urgent need for cities to adopt transformative climate action strategies that promote resilience and social equity. While projections indicate that without intervention, cities will face severe consequences from climate change, these outcomes can be mitigated through proactive measures focused on decarbonization and adaptation. The report emphasizes that despite financial and institutional challenges, cities are pioneering innovative, community-led initiatives that demonstrate the potential for collaborative climate action. By showcasing successful practices, the report aims to inspire cities worldwide to scale up their efforts and address the intertwined challenges of climate change and social justice.

  • Celebrating Successful Completion of the BEHTAB Phase-II

    Celebrating Successful Completion of the BEHTAB Phase-II

    UN-Habitat, together with its partners, has proudly marked the culmination of the BEHTAB Phase II project. This initiative has been pivotal in enhancing the resilience of Iranian hospitals against natural disasters. UN-Habitat extends heartful gratitude to the Government and people of Japan for their generous support and commend the exceptional cooperation of the Iranian partners.
    The BEHTAB Phase II Project is implemented in cooperation with the Ministry of Road and Urban Development of I.R. Iran and with support of the Government of Japan. Discover about the BEHTAB Phase II Project, here.

     

  • UN-Habitat and MRUD step for the Integration of Climate Change into Iran’s Urban Development and Regeneration Strategies

    On August 18, 2024, UN-Habitat participated in an event at Urban Regeneration Corporation of Iran (URCI), to discuss on an initiative on the Integration of Climate Change issues into Iran’s Urban Development and Regeneration Strategies.

    Emphasizing on “climate change implications on inefficient urban context, urban development and management”, the climate statistics, future conditions under scenarios of climate change in the country and its implications on human settlements and urban areas, existing policies and provisions in the high-level documents and laws and the importance of awareness on the best practices around the world for inter-sectoral coordination of climate change actions were addressed in the event.

    UN-Habitat is now cooperating with the Government of Islamic Republic of Iran for organizing the sustainable human settlements against climate change consequences and natural disasters, focusing on the areas under post-earthquake reconstruction. Funded by the Government of Japan, the Project aims at post-earthquake reconstruction of villages in Hormozgan province, climate-aware organizing the settlements and capacity development of the local community against climate change and natural hazards.

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    The second cycle of the Global Award for Sustainable Development in Cities (Shanghai Award) is now open for applications, with a deadline set for 15 June 2024. The award recognizes the pivotal role of cities in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and advancing global sustainability. UN-Habitat invites eligible cities worldwide to apply.

    The general theme of the 2024 award, “Building a Sustainable Urban Future for All,” echoes the theme of the twelfth session of the World Urban Forum (WUF12), encouraging cities to showcase their progress in delivering quality housing, empowering youth, promoting innovative development, and fostering climate resilience.

    To apply and access all application rules and guidelines (available in the six official UN languages) along with the application form, visit https://shanghaiaward.org/.

    For further information, please contact the award task force at siqi.chen@un.org and outreach@shanghaiaward.org.

  • Registration open for the Twelfth Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF12), Cairo.

    Registration open for the Twelfth Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF12), Cairo.

    Established by the United Nations in 2001 to examine rapid urbanization and its impact on communities, cities, economies and climate change, the World Urban Forum (WUF) is a dynamic and participatory platform that encourages discussions and critical discourse on urban development.

    WUF12 with the theme of “It All Starts at Home: Local Actions for Sustainable Cities and Communities” will take place from 4 to 8 November 2024 in Cairo, Egypt, at the Egypt International Exhibition Center. WUF12 will focus on localizing the Sustainable Development Goals, shedding light on the local actions and initiatives required to curb the current global challenges affecting the daily life of people, including unaffordable housing, rising living costs, climate change, the lack of basic services, and ongoing conflicts.

    Registration is a requirement for any event application and will enable all the registered participants to have access to a wide range of discussions, trainings, and networking opportunities. Registration for the Twelfth Session of the World Urban Forum is now open and will close on 30 October 2024.

    To register, visit https://events.unhabitat.org/ and for more information, visit https://wuf.unhabitat.org/wuf12.

  • World Habitat Day Celebrated in Tehran

    World Habitat Day Celebrated in Tehran

    The ceremony of the first Monday of October as “World Habitat Day” was held with the cooperation of the National Human Settlements Committee in the Ministry of Roads and Urban Development (MRUD), Urban Regeneration Corporation of Iran (URCI), UN-Habitat office in Tehran and Tehran Municipality.

    In addition to the representatives of the UN-Habitat office in Iran, the UNRC.a.i in Iran, the head of the resident coordinator office, and representatives of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the United Nations High Commissioner Refugee Affairs (UNHCR), the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), as well as representatives of the embassies of Japan and the Republic of Korea attended the ceremony.

    Messages from the Executive Director of UN-Habitat (video), Minister of Roads and Urban Development, UN Resident coordinator in Iran, and Mayor of Tehran were delivered during the event. In addition deputy minister of roads and urban development and CEO of Urban Regeneration Corporation of Iran, a member of National Islamic Parliament (Representative of People of Tehran in the Parliament),  Advisor to the Minister and secretary of National Habitat Committee, Deputy Mayor of Tehran and CEO of Urban Renovation Company, Deputy of Meteorological agency and Secretary of Asian Mayors Forum presented in the event and delivered speeches.

    During the opening of the event, Mr. Alexander Fedulov, the UNRC.a.i in Iran, gave a speech and while raising issues affecting cities in the world, and introducing the ongoing cooperation of the UN-Habitat with the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran in this field, announced the willingness of the United Nations agencies to cooperate within the framework of the United Nations sustainable development with the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

    Several topics including issues on housing, urban regeneration, community-based activates, climate change consequences in urban region in Iran and current challenges in corresponding subjects were considered during the event.

    Currently, the UN-Habitat’s Tehran office supports joint cooperation in the field of developing urban regulations and policies, and also improving the resilience of buildings and infrastructure in cities against natural disasters. Assisting in the better reconstruction of urban infrastructure, including water systems and schools, improving capacities in urban regeneration and urban environment in the Islamic Republic of Iran is also on the agenda.

    The News of the event has been also reflected in the MRUD official website here and the UDRC website here.

  • Site visit in informal settlements of Alborz province

    Site visit in informal settlements of Alborz province

    On Monday 13 August 2023, UN-Habitat, Tehran team together with a team from Urban Regeneration Corporation of Iran (URCI), had a site visit in informal settlements of Alborz province. First, the 4th Hesar Line in Karaj city including neighborhoods, an under-construction police station, a rescue and fire station as well as a health center were observed. The neighborhoods and a cultural center of Jafarabad, in Mohammadshahr were the second destinations from informal settlements in the south-west of Alborz province.

    Besides, some officials, social activists, and locals provided explanations about the challenges and problems of the region and inhabitants regarding the lack of land use planning, public infrastructures, deeds of buildings and land, and public services. They also explained the activities with the aim of empowering women and youths who are heads of households, poor families, and delivering response to other needs of the community.

    Considering the UN-Habitat mandates regarding social inclusion, risk reduction and rehabilitation of human settlements, urban infrastructure, legislation and governance, housing, and slum upgrading, this site visit was supposed to be an introduction for the further cooperation and joint programs between UNH and URCI and identification of a plan with priorities of UNH services and intervention based on a mutual understanding. Also, the visit was in line with the consultations for the implementation of the National Urban Policy (NUP) within the scope of the urban regeneration goal.

    The news was also reflected in the MRUD official website here.