An Israeli delegation took an active part in the Seventh session of the World Urban Forum held this year from April 5-11, 2014 in the city of Medellín, Colombia, devoted to the theme of "Urban Equity in Development - Cities for Life". The Forum, organized by the United Nations organization UN-HABITAT, convenes every two years.

Israel's participation in the event was a joint initiative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Housing and Construction, in collaboration with the Hebrew University's Urban Clinic headed by Dr. Emily Silverman who coordinated the professional content, and the Weitz Center for Development Studies, which was responsible for the Israeli display.

The distinguished delegation, led by Israel's Ambassador to Kenya Gil Haskel, who is responsible for relations between Israel and UN-HABITAT, numbered some 25 members including MK Stav Shafir, former Minister Ophir Paz-Pines, representatives of Israel's top universities, municipalities and local government, representative of the Ministry of Economy, architects, city planners and more.

In addition to the Israeli display of relevant Israeli publications, the delegation held four events attended by representatives from dozens of countries.

UN-HABITAT is the UN's central arm dealing with urban issues and housing, promoting a global housing policy of developing socially and environmentally sustainable cities, while striving to achieve the goal of adequate housing for all. In 2016, the organization will hold its third summit - which takes place every 20 years - in Quito, Ecuador.

Israel's impressive participation in the forum will serve as a springboard for exchanging information and promoting national urban policy in Israel as well as the establishment of an Israeli national housing and urban forum.