UN-HABITAT has long campaigned for closer relationships with civil society, parliamentarians, and the private sector around the world and with in the United Nations system. Ranging from non-governmental organisations, community-based organisations, women's and youth groups to trade unions, urban professionals, researchers and spiritual organisations, they have innovative ways of helping the poor. Many have developed effective ways of working with their national governments and municipalities.

UN-HABITAT now has links with 11 categories of Habitat Agenda partners in Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean, Europe and North America. In its work to improve human settlements, reduce poverty in our towns and cities and make them safer, more sustainable and environmentally friendly, UN-HABITAT has found it essential to work ever more closely with such partners.