Biographies

Edlam Abera Yemeru is currently the Chief of the Knowledge and Innovation Branch at UN-Habitat responsible to lead global policy analysis, data analytics and foresight to assess and propose solutions for sustainable urbanization and shape policy narratives and responses. In her capacity, she also leads the Agency in its innovation work, identifying and advancing digital and smart city solutions which are scalable and sustainable for high impact. Previously, she served as Director for Gender, Poverty and Social policy (2021-2023) and earlier as Chief of the Urbanization and Development Section at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa where she led the delivery of policy advise to African member States on sustainable urbanization. Earlier in her career, she held several policy and research positions at UN-Habitat and UNODC. Ms Yemeru holds a PhD in Human Geography from Queen Mary, University of London and a Master of Philosophy in Development Studies from the University of Cambridge.