Khartoum, June 16, 2026 (SUNA) — Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Engineer Saif Al-Nasr Al-Tijani Haroun met Tuesday in his office with UN-Habitat Country Director for Sudan Dr. Wael Al-Ashihab, to discuss strengthening joint cooperation in urban development, housing, and reconstruction, in the presence of the Undersecretary for Urban Development Engineer Samia Jameel. The meeting reviewed UN-Habitat’s programmes and ongoing projects in Sudan, as well as its future plans aimed at supporting urban stability and improving basic services, within the framework of state efforts to restore development activity and advance reconstruction. The Minister stressed the importance of partnership with UN-Habitat and benefiting from its technical expertise in urban planning, city development, and housing, noting that the coming phase requires enhanced coordination between national institutions and international partners to support development and reconstruction projects. He said the housing sector is a key priority amid rising demand for shelter, calling for balanced urban planning that accommodates population growth while preserving agricultural and pastoral land. For his part, the Country Director of UN-Habitat reviewed the organisation’s ongoing and planned interventions, stressing the importance of coordination between the government, donors, and international partners to implement priority projects. He noted that the programme is implementing several projects in water, renewable energy, and urban development across a number of states, in addition to preparing strategic plans for the cities of Al-Damazin and Roseires in Blue Nile State using environmentally friendly building materials and solutions. The meeting also discussed support programmes for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in housing provision, development of local construction materials, and youth training and capacity-building, aimed at enhancing social stability and improving living conditions. Both sides underlined the importance of continued coordination and cooperation between the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport and UN-Habitat, and joint work to implement sustainable urban projects that serve citizens and support reconstruction efforts. It is worth noting that the UN-Habitat Country Director has received an official invitation to participate in the international forum in New York on July 16–17 to review the New Urban Agenda and discuss global urban development issues. The Minister of Infrastructure and Transport has also confirmed his participation in the international conference on the review of the New Urban Agenda in New York, in a step that strengthens Sudan’s presence in international forums concerned with urban development and reconstruction.BH/BH