The Andhra Pradesh government on Wednesday (July 15, 2026) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) to promote inclusive and sustainable urban development in the State.

The agreement was formalised between the Municipal Administration and Urban Development Department and UN-Habitat in the presence of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and UN-Habitat executive director Anaclaudia Rossbach, who participated virtually from Singapore.

The partnership aims to set up a Centre of Excellence for Urban Affairs in Amaravati as part of the State’s SURGE AP, RISE AP and UPLIFT AP initiatives. The collaboration will focus on alleviating urban poverty, improving the livelihoods of the urban poor, and promoting inclusive city development.

Under the MoU, Andhra Pradesh and UN-Habitat will work together on strategic urban planning for regional economic growth, climate-resilient and sustainable urban ecosystems, digital governance, municipal finance and the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Mr. Naidu said the government was committed to adopting global best practices in developing Amaravati as a world-class greenfield capital city. Describing the MoU with UN-Habitat as a historic partnership, he said it would strengthen the State’s efforts under the SURGE AP, RISE AP, UPLIFT AP and urban poverty eradication initiatives.

Ms. Rossbach described Amaravati as a reflection of Mr. Naidu’s vision and called the MoU a milestone. She said UN-Habitat would work with the State on key areas including waste management, air pollution control, development of public spaces and sustainable urban systems. She added that the partnership would also support progress in the renewable energy sector by 2036.

MA&UD Minister P. Narayana, Principal Secretary Suresh Kumar and senior government officials participated.