UN-Habitat and IE University sign agreement to advance innovative public policy solutions

UN-Habitat, the United Nations Human Settlements Programme, and IE University have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) establishing a framework for collaboration on education, research, and shared priorities such as sustainable urban development, housing, and governance. The agreement supports UN-Habitat’s Strategic Plan 2026–2029, the New Urban Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a particular focus on SDG 11.

The signing ceremony, held at IE University, was attended by Anacláudia Rossbach, Executive Director of UN-Habitat, and Manuel Muñiz, Rector of IE University.

The partnership brings together academic expertise and policy perspectives to address major urban challenges and explore innovative public policy solutions. Planned activities include lectures, policy discussions, conferences, and other events that will bring together academic, institutional, and professional communities to explore issues such as adequate housing, land, basic services, and inclusive urban governance.

"It is an honor to welcome Anacláudia Rossbach and UN-Habitat to IE University. The partnership agreement we are signing today reflects our shared commitment to educating the leaders of tomorrow and advancing dialogue on the most pressing urban challenges of our time. This agreement strengthens our collaboration with the United Nations and will create new opportunities to deliver meaningful impact and shape a better urban future," said Manuel Muñiz.

"Our partnership with IE University will enable us to advance a shared agenda of research, capacity building and programmatic collaboration to generate knowledge, identify gaps in public policy and develop responses to the global housing crisis that our Strategic Plan 2026–2029 seeks to address, while strengthening the role of cities in climate action," said Anacláudia Rossbach. "We aim to connect IE’s academic expertise with the policies and solutions that our cities and their residents need."

The MoU will create opportunities for IE students and faculty to engage with UN-Habitat through visit to its headquarters in Nairobi, guest lectures, capstone projects, thesis research, and potential participation in the World Urban Forum and the WUF Academy. The agreement also provides for collaboration on career guidance and talent development.