Committee adopts guidelines for HABITAT II action plan.

• Position: United Nations Conference on Human Settlements

The Preparatory Committee for the UN Conference on Human Settlements (HABITAT II) drew up guidelines for a draft global plan of action at its first substantive session (11-2 2 April, Geneva).

The plan of action, which is to be adopted by HABITAT II--scheduled to be held from 3 to 14 June 1996 in istanbul, Turkey--will encompass two major themes: adequate shelter for all and sustainable human settlements in an urbanizing world.

Specific areas to be addressed by the global plan include: poverty reduction; settlements m environmental management; disaster mitigation, relief and construction; women; the urban economy and employment; social and economic dimensions of urbanization and shelter development; education and capacity-building; and equity and vulnerable social groups.

Time was running out for the world's urban areas, stated Dr. Wally N'Dow, Conference Secretary-General. In the interest of a better living environment for everyone, delegates should commit themselves, as a community of nations, to "nothing less than a revolution", he said.

Taking place 20 years after the first UN Conference on Human Settlements, held in Vancouver, Canada, HABITAT 11 is to set priorities for tackling urban issues and problems, and galvanize national and international resources to face challenges...