With reference to the role of UN-Habitat in the United Nations programme working towards a better urban future, which of the statements is/are correct ? 1. UN-Habitat has been mandated by the United Nations General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities to provide adequate shelter for all. 2. Its partners are either governments or local urban authorities only. 3. UN-Habitat contributes to the overall objective of the United Nations system to reduce poverty and to promote access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation. Select the correct answer using the code given below :
- (a) 1, 2 and 3
- (b) 1 and 3 only ✓ UPSC's answer
- (c) 2 and 3 only
- (d) 1 only
Why the answer is (b)
• Statement 1 is correct: UN-Habitat, headquartered in Nairobi, is mandated by the UN General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable human settlements and adequate shelter for all.
• Statement 3 is correct: it contributes to the UN system's goals of poverty reduction and access to safe water and basic sanitation (SDG 11 and SDG 6).
• Statement 2 is wrong: its partners include NGOs, civil society, the private sector, academia and community groups, not only governments and local authorities.
• Hence 1 and 3 only, option (b).
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) 1, 2 and 3
- Statement 2 is wrong: partners go beyond governments.
- (c) 2 and 3 only
- Statement 2 is wrong; statement 1 is correct.
- (d) 1 only
- Statement 3 on poverty and water is also correct.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2017, held on 18 June 2017. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.