At a conference in Nairobi more than 30 countries and international organizations agreed on the principles they hope to see promoted at the UN conference later this year. Land and water management is their prime focus.

Sustainable development and adaptation to the effects of climate change are the prime concerns of more than 30 countries and international organizations gathered in Nairobi, Kenya.

An International Monetary Fund (IMF) staff mission, led by Mr. Michael Atingi-Ego, visited Kenya during February 23-March 6, 2009 to discuss recent economic developments and outlook in the context of the global financial crisis and possible IMF balance of payments support through the Rapid Access Component of the Exogenous Shocks Facility (ESF).

The mission met with Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Uhuru Kenyatta, the Governor of the Central Bank of Kenya Njuguna Ndung’u, other senior government officials and members of the private sector. The government’s request for support under the Rapid-Access Component of the ESF could make available up to US$100 million to improve Kenya’s long-term growth potential.

 Read the press release

The World Bank Board of Executive Directors has approved three new projects for Kenya

•  Northern Corridor Transport Improvement Project
•  The Energy Sector Recovery Project
•  Cash Transfer for Orphans and Vulnerable Children

Urban based Youth-led organizations in developing countries who are working to improve the living conditions of their communities can now apply for financial assistance from UN-HABITAT.  The Opportunities Fund for Urban Youth-Led Development will provide grants between $5,000 and $25,000 to organizations led by young people, aged 15-32 years. 

"In this time of worldwide economic crisis, it is not only banks and automakers who deserve financial support, we also need to encourage youth who are often best placed to solve problems in their communities," said Mrs. Anna Tibaijuka, Executive Director of UN-HABITAT. "The Opportunities Fund is designed to provide financial support of up to one million dollars per year, to youth-led initiatives aimed at sustainable urbanization. We must harness the energies of the young if we are to overcome the problems of urban poverty."

Of the one billion slum dwellers in the world today, it is estimated that more than 70% are under the age of 30. Yet these young people have few resources available to improve their own living environment. This is a major oversight as there are many youth-led initiatives in slums and squatter settlements that are in urgent need of financial support.

The Opportunities Fund for Urban Youth-Led Development has been established with support from the Norwegian Government specifically to provide funds to youth-led community initiatives. The initial grant is for two million dollars over two years with a possibility of renewal. The fund is committed to support innovative youth-led projects in areas such as employment, education, environment, health and safety. Applications from organizations partnering with government agencies and the private sector are encouraged. Projects promoting gender equality are particularly welcome.

Applications details are now available at www.unhabitat.org/opfund.