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Why Was Sadiq Khan Given a United Nations Award?

Parts of London look like a dump. But that hasn't stopped the UN from giving Mayor Sadiq Khan an award for "improving urban life". It's all very incestuous, says Charlotte Gill: the UN is just rewarding its cronies.

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Last week I visited London and took this photo. It sums up parts of the city rather well.

So it is rather extraordinary that Sir Sadiq Khan has recently won an award for “advancing adequate housing, sustainable urbanisation and improved urban life”.

This was given to him by UN-Habitat, the “United Nations Human Settlements Programme” which “aims to achieve socially and environmentally sustainable cities for all”. It is tied into number 11 of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal (SDG): "Sustainable Cities and Communities: Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable."

Last week the UN announced a “2026 Scroll of Honour Awards to five individuals and institutions” who were recognised for “work ranging from affordable and resilient housing and innovative building materials to housing solutions for displaced communities and culturally appropriate housing for Indigenous communities”. This included the Mayor of London.

A caption about Khan’s so-called achievements read:

For his leadership in advancing affordable and sustainable housing and supporting inclusive and climate-resilient urban development in London. As Mayor of London, he has improved access to quality homes for vulnerable and low-income communities through innovative housing policies and major investments in social housing.

Sure…

This award is simply an example of the UN marking its own homework. Khan is Co-Chair of C40 Cities, an unelected body in partnership with UN-Habitat to “drive bold action for more resilient, sustainable and inclusive cities”; thus it’s in the UN-Habitat’s best interests to make it look

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4 Comments
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Oldest Most Voted
happycake78
happycake78
13 minutes ago

Khan is just one of many city leaders doing the same thing.

stewart
stewart
39 minutes ago

Because he has been an effective footsoldier for the global government establishment and the award is a reward for his work and loyalty.

Do I get a prize for getting it right?

Rowland P
Rowland P
54 minutes ago

Not only London but most Councils are signed up to the UN’s Agenda 2030 for “sustainable development”. Hence the downward spiral of our urban environment in particular. The authorities are only working for themselves and certainly not for us.

Andy A
Andy A
58 minutes ago

’profanity and abuse will be removed…..’ Hence my lack of comment.

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