Greater decentralisation and encouragement of enhanced greater civic engagement is in fact a key element of current government policy in a number of areas, most recently provision of health services. Government officials are also currently giving thought to ways of ensuring greater integration and coordination of efforts across the New Zealand government, and between government, the private sector and civil society, in order to promote aachieve sustainable development approach. The Habitat Agenda is also of relevance to our wider region. At present, urban communities in the Pacific region are not large in either relative or absolute global terms. Already, many of our development partners are beginning to experience problems associated with rapid urbanisation, including growing pollution and income inequality, as well as increasing problems with access to adequate sanitation and clean water.
Issues related to use and ownership of land also continue to pose challenges.
Mr President For the Commission on Human Settlements to remain an effective and relevant organisation, and for the Habitat Agenda to achieve its goals, both must have a strategic focus. The issue of human settlements development is potentially as broad as the experience of human development itself. Few topics on the development agenda do not potentially have salience for Habitat. To be a truly effective and credible advocate, it must concentrate on core areas of expertise, and coordinate with other agencies to ensure that human settlements issues are mainstreamed into others' activities. The recent establishment of a Habitat Task Management System is a valuable step in this regard.