Brussels, 6 July/OACPS: H.E. Mr. Georges Rebelo Pinto Chikoti, Secretary-General of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) today delivered the Opening Address at the Launch of the 4th OACPS/EC/UN-Habitat International Tripartite Conference, which takes place in the framework of the partnership with the Secretariat of the OACPS, the European Commission (EC), and UN-Habitat.

In his speech, Secretary-General Chikoti conveyed the OACPS’ satisfaction with the performance of the Participatory Slum Upgrading Programme (PSUP), which he pointed out, has reached out to more than 40 countries, 190 cities and 4 million people in vulnerable communities: “We appreciate the Programme’s platform to exchange and learn, conduct policy dialogues, assist countries to engage in urban development and facilitate development frameworks for transformation.”

Secretary-General Chikoti reaffirmed the OACPS’ willingness to promote and develop South-South collaboration and exchange of experiences, and called on national governments and local authorities to make it a policy and financial priority to create an annual budget towards slum upgrading.

The 4th Tripartite OACPS/EC/UN-Habitat Conference is held to discuss results, progress and impacts on the commitments agreed in the last OACPS/EC/UN-Habitat Declaration in Brussels in 2018. The Online Conference runs from 6 to 8 July. Tojoin the conference please click on:https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85055800133and visit the Conference Agenda Here.

Click HERE to read the full Statement.

About the Programme

The Participatory Slum Upgrading Programme (PSUP) was founded in 2008 as a tripartite initiative of the Secretariat of the former African, Caribbean and Pacific Group (ACP) of States, the European Commission and UN-Habitat. About 40 countries and 190 cities are now investing in strategic, participatory slum upgrading activities and sustainable urbanization. PSUP focuses on the biggest challenges for slum dweller – the lack of adequate housing and basic services.