Moscow at UN-Habitat Assembly
From May 27 to 30, 2025, the resumed second session of the UN-Habitat Assembly—one of the UN’s key programs on sustainable urban development—took place in Nairobi, Kenya. A delegation from the Moscow Government, led by Sergey Cheremin, Minister of the Government of Moscow, Head of the Department for External Economic and International Relations, actively participated in the forum. Technical support for the delegation was provided by ANO “Moscow Center for International Cooperation.”
The centerpiece of the visit was a dialogue with UN-Habitat leadership. During a meeting with Executive Director Anaclaudia Rossbach, prospects for cooperation and Moscow’s initiative to host the 14th World Urban Forum in 2028 were discussed. Ms. Rossbach expressed interest in deepening collaboration with the Russian capital.
Sergey Cheremin presented Moscow’s key achievements in sustainable development to UN-Habitat officials, highlighting progress in goals such as “Affordable and Clean Energy,” “Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure,” “Gender Equality,” “Decent Work and Economic Growth,” “Quality Education,” and “Climate Action.”
“Moscow doesn’t just follow the UN’s global agenda—we actively integrate sustainable development goals into urban policy,” Cheremin emphasized.
The Head of the Department showcased one of Moscow’s flagship urban development projects: the renovation program launched in 2017. As Russia’s largest urban renewal initiative, it will provide over a million residents with modern, energy-efficient housing. To date, 648 buildings have been vacated, with new residential complexes featuring not only comfortable homes but also landscaped courtyards, playgrounds, and social infrastructure.
Special attention was given to climate initiatives. Moscow became the first Russian region to issue “green” bonds, financing eco-friendly projects like the development of sustainable public transport—including the construction of the Big Circle Metro Line and the procurement of electric buses. By 2030, all public transport in Moscow will be electric.
UN-Habitat experts praised Moscow’s initiatives as a successful model of comprehensive urban improvement.
A meeting with Anar Guliyev, National Coordinator for the 2026 World Urban Forum, explored Moscow’s potential participation in the upcoming Baku event.
The visit also focused on strengthening ties with Kenyan partners. Discussions with Nairobi County Governor Johnson Sakaja, City Council representatives, and Senator Godfrey Osotsi of Vihiga County covered knowledge-sharing in transport systems, smart city technologies, affordable housing, public safety, and innovations in education and healthcare. Talks with the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry identified opportunities for economic cooperation and joint projects.
The visit marked a significant step in positioning Moscow as a global hub for sustainable development within UN-Habitat and laid a solid foundation for mutually beneficial partnerships between Moscow and Nairobi.
