French-speaking Least Developed Countries (LDCs), all but one of which are in Africa, are facing unprecedented urbanization rates and were strongly hit by the socio-economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. They also have limited human and financial resources and skills to manage cities, particularly secondary cities, in a sustainable manner. In this context, there is an opportunity to better share knowledge and tools readily available to implement urban solutions adapted to the context of LDCs, in French, particularly in view of building resilient, inclusive, and greener urban spaces.

This project responds to the needs of urban professionals in French-speaking LDCs to access capacity-building services and tools that are effective, innovative, and digitally available to reach a maximum number of beneficiaries. It proposes an integrated approach to knowledge sharing and practical capacity-building with an innovative combination of in-person and virtual spaces, facilitating enhanced learning and exchange, also in support of the implementation of the United Nations System Development Cooperation Frameworks (CFs). The project presents a three-level approach: (1) deploy capacity building on the New Urban Agenda and relevant tools for operationalizing and monitoring, in support of recovery and resilience; (2) seize the opportunity of the digital revolution and innovation for enhanced capacity building and knowledge transfer; and (3) strengthen urban priorities in Cooperation Frameworks.