The operational activities of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-HABITAT) are focused on supporting governments in the formulation of policies and strategies to create and strengthen a self-reliant management capacity at both national and local levels. Technical and managerial expertise is provided for the assessment of human settlements development constraints and opportunities: the identification and analysis of policy options; the design and implementation of housing and urban development projects; and the mobilization of national resources, as well as external support for improving human settlement conditions. This national capacity-building process involves not only central government institutions but also stakeholders such as community-based and non-governmental organizations, universities and research institutions, as well as local governments and municipalities. Emphasis is also being placed upon strengthening governments’ monitoring capacities in human settlement management.

In accordance with its work-programme, UN-HABITAT’s operational activities are focused on the following priorities:

• Promoting shelter for all;
• Improving urban governance;
• Reducing urban poverty;
• Improving the living environment;
• Managing disaster mitigation and post-conflict rehabilitation.

Acting as a catalyst in the mobilization of technical co-operation, UN-HABITAT is supporting the implementation of the Habitat Agenda at the local, national and regional levels. Lessons learned from operational activities are also being used to formulate global policy options and guidelines, particularly in the framework of the two Global Campaigns for Secure Tenure and Good Urban Governance.

The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-HABITAT) in Serbia is steadfast in supporting Serbia in the ongoing national reform process of the housing sector and in planning, in its effort to develop adequate policy and institutional framework in line with preconditions for integration to the European Union.