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Centre for Liveable Cities

Singapore UN-Habitat International Leaders in Urban Governance Programme (SGUNHiLUGP)

The Singapore–UN-Habitat International Leaders in Urban Governance Programme (SGUNHiLUGP) is jointly delivered by the Centre for Liveable Cities (CLC) and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), with support from Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) under the Singapore Cooperation Programme (SCP).

Last updated on 14 September 2026

Overview

SGUNHiLUGP brings together Singapore’s urban development experience and UN-Habitat’s global expertise to support city leaders in addressing urban challenges. Through case studies, site visits and discussions with practitioners, participants gain practical insights and strategies for sustainable urban development. 

Participants also develop Urban Development Action Plans tailored to their cities’ needs and explore opportunities for collaboration with relevant Singapore organisations and companies. 

CLC and UN-Habitat established their partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in 2016, which was renewed at the CLC-organised World Cities Summit in 2026.  

Since its inauguration in 2017, we have conducted five editions of the programme, benefiting more than 70 cities from Africa and Latin America. CLC and UN-Habitat aim to extend the programme’s reach to up to 150 cities by 2030. 

Through knowledge sharing and capability development, SGUNHiLUGP supports cities in advancing Sustainable Development Goal 11 — to make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable — as well as the objectives of UN-Habitat’s New Urban Agenda. 

Group photo during the Singapore UN-Habitat International Leaders in Urban Governance programme

Broader Partnership with UN-Habitat 

Beyond SGUNHiLUGP, CLC and UN-Habitat also collaborate on international platforms to advance knowledge exchange on sustainable urban development. 

CLC contributes Singapore’s urban development experience and perspectives at UN-Habitat’s biennial World Urban Forum. UN-Habitat, in turn, contributes its global perspectives and expertise on human settlements at the World Cities Summit. These exchanges enrich international dialogue and facilitate the sharing of ideas and practices for more sustainable, resilient and inclusive cities. 

Participants’ Testimonials

I am optimistic that it is possible to change our reality when we commit to planning and discipline in the application of public policies
— Jose Felipe Velazquez Gutierrez, Secretary of Management & Urban Development Mexico, Municipality of Puebla
Theoretical presentations coupled with practical and visual visits enhanced learning and conceptualisation of ideas. It also reinforced and validated what was being said.
— Reuben Mlungisi Masango, Councillor, Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality, South Africa
The programme has broadened my perspectives on cities development. The session on financing city and economic development stood out greatly. The dialogue with the Minister spiced up the programme.
— Dr Mohamed Abdelhamid Ibrahim Higazy, Advisor to the Minister for International Cooperation, Ministry of Local Development, Egypt
Steep learning curve but like the interaction and idea sharing amongst RP and countries. The Singapore experience has also brought assurance that it is possible to change situation in the developing world
— Mrs Malebogo Kruger, Town Mayor, Lobatse, Botswana