The Global State of National Urban Policy 2024 report, jointly published by UN-Habitat and the OECD, provides a comprehensive overview of how countries use National Urban Policies (NUPs) to shape inclusive, sustainable, and resilient cities. The 2024 edition analyzes developments in 78 countries. It places particular emphasis on how NUPs address the housing crisis through the promotion of sustainable housing, while also responding to climate and governance challenges.
Definition of national urban policy (NUP)
According to the Global State of National Urban Policy 2024 report, a National Urban Policy (NUP) is a government-led strategy that helps cities grow in a more coordinated, fair, and sustainable way. It brings together different sectors and levels of government to work toward shared goals for how urban areas should develop.
The report also distinguishes between two types of NUPs:
- Explicit NUPs: clearly defined national-level policy frameworks focused on urban development.
- Implicit NUPs: policies not formally labeled as urban policy but which significantly shape urban outcomes, such as transport, housing, or environmental policies.
Additionally, the report emphasizes the importance of both national and subnational levels in developing and implementing NUPs. Successful policies often emerge from close collaboration between ministries and local authorities.
Key findings
- Widespread adoption: 80% of countries have a current or developing NUP. Yet only one-third approach housing in a cross-sectoral way.
- Housing-focused policies: More than half of the countries surveyed include housing as a core objective. 81% of countries give moderate to extensive housing sustainability in their NUPs, followed by 80% of countries that emphasize housing adequacy, and 77% of countries that address affordability.
- Institutional gaps: The report notes frequent misalignment between national and local levels, with implementation obstacles at the city level in nearly 40% of cases.
- Monitoring deficit: Just 26% of countries have active monitoring frameworks to track NUP outcomes—this breaks adaptation and course correction.
- Green and inclusive housing: Yet only 25% explicitly integrate climate resilience into their housing policies. Countries like Colombia, Korea, and France show how inclusive and sustainable housing can be linked to environmental and mobility goals.
- Thematic priorities: “Urban systems and networks” and “inclusive growth” are the two most frequently addressed themes in national urban policies, showing a strong global trend toward integrated infrastructure and equitable development.
Balkans urban policies
The Balkans show mixed progress in developing and implementing NUPs:
- According to the Global State of National Urban Policy 2024 report, Serbia has developed a National Urban Policy covering housing, mobility, and climate. However, these policies remain largely at the level of stated intentions without concrete implementation steps. The 2024 Urban Forum in Niš highlighted the importance of localizing SDGs and fostering intersectoral dialogue, but further action is needed.Read more about Serbia’s environmental events here.
- North Macedonia and Montenegro have initiated processes to align their urban policies with the 2030 New Urban Agenda but face challenges in coordinating between national and municipal actors. Read more about Montenegro’s environmental events here.
- Albania has a national strategy for territorial development, yet urban housing remains fragmented and underfunded, particularly in secondary cities.
Recommendations for urban administrations
The Global State of National Urban Policy 2024 report provides essential insights for urban leaders and planners. To implement these insights, urban administrations should focus on five key priorities. These recommendations, drawn from specific examples of countries, demonstrate how cities can move toward more equitable, climate-resilient, and accessible housing solutions. The following sections outline these priorities and showcase real-world cases where policies have led to effective urban development:
1. Develop comprehensive national urban policies (NUPs)
Design and implement housing strategies that directly address affordability, access, and long-term resilience.
Example: Colombia integrates housing upgrades with mobility infrastructure and environmental buffers. Indonesia’s Kebijakan Perkotaan Nasional 2045 outlines a forward-looking urban development strategy for the country, aiming for long-term urban resilience and sustainability.
2. Strengthen multilevel governance
Facilitate coordination between national ministries, regional bodies, and city governments.
Example: Many National Urban Policies (NUPs) are multi-sectoral, covering a broad range of policy areas, as seen in countries like France, Lithuania, and Saudi Arabia.
3. Invest in affordable housing
Allocate public funds for inclusive housing, especially for vulnerable groups.
Example: Czechia strives to avoid regulatory constraints that could limit urban productivity and the supply of affordable housing, aiming for balanced access to land while respecting property rights.
4. Enhance urban resilience
Embed climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction, and green design into housing policy to promote sustainable housing solutions.
Example: in Mexico, regulatory frameworks have been developed to ensure effective disaster response and management. Similarly, Japan’s Fundamental Plan for National Resilience prioritizes the prevention of human loss, continuity of state functions, minimization of property damage, and rapid recovery. These strategies incorporate disaster risk management into housing and infrastructure planning, contributing to more sustainable and resilient housing systems.
5. Monitor and evaluate progress
Develop metrics and feedback loops to assess policy outcomes and adjust accordingly.
Example: in Ethiopia, the Ministry of Planning and Development collaborates with the Ministry of Urban and Infrastructure to prepare key performance indicators for urban development. The Ministry presents quarterly reports to Parliament and holds meetings with other non-governmental stakeholders to review progress and gather input.
Conclusion
By applying these recommendations and learning from countries that have integrated housing with climate, governance, and infrastructure planning, urban administrations can lead the transition toward inclusive, green, and resilient cities.
