UN-Habitat experts analyze the Maya Train project in Mexico

During the meeting, nine specialists from the UN-Habitat Headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya, exchanged their opinions with FONATUR, on the best intervention strategies at regional, territorial and urban level as well as the implementation mechanisms articulated in the project framework.

The meeting is part of a collaborative process between both institutions for the initiation of the Tren Maya project. They are expected to impart knowledge on the best practices of regional corridors and also on their potential impact on sustainable development and quality of life of the inhabitants.

Global best practices in regional, territorial, and urban planning were discussed. In addition, main opportunities and challenges were identified to develop a comprehensive strategy for Southeast Mexico and the potential impact of the project.

The group of specialists reviewed and devised the guidelines and parameters on regional and urban planning from the spatial, social, environmental and economic perspectives. Specific recommendations are being proposed for the planning and design of urban centers adjacent to the train stations in order to promote organized local development.

They will share a document composed of the discussions and recommendations generated from the meeting. The objective of the EGM is to create a roadmap that helps efficiently implement the “Integral Strategy on Urban and Territorial Development for Southeast region of Mexico – Corridor Tren Maya”.

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Specialists of UN-Habitat

Shipra Narang Suri

Coordinator, Urban Planning and Design Branch, UN-Habitat

Shipra Narang Suri, is an urban planner with a Ph.D. in Post-War Recovery Studies from the University of York, UK. She coordinates UN-Habitat’s Urban Planning and Design Branch. The work of the Branch covers themes such as regional and metropolitan planning, national urban policies, city planning, extension and design, public space, urban renewal, climate change action planning and building climate resilience for the poor, with extensive normative work and operational activities in over 50 countries.

Marcus Mayr

Urban Planner, Climate Change Planning Unit, UN-Habitat

Marcus Mayr is an Urban Planner working in the Climate Change Planning Unit of UN-Habitat. As part of the team in the Cities and Climate Change Initiative, Marcus is passionate about increasing the visibility and role of cities in the global effort against climate change. He holds a Master of Engineering in Urban and Regional Planning from the Technical University of Berlin (Germany).

Javier Torner Ruiz de Temino

Urban Development Specialist and Programme Management Officer, Extension and Design Unit and the Urban Lab, UN-Habitat

Javier Torner has worked at UN-Habitat's Headquarters since 2014. He has drafted and participated in the implementation of development frameworks, planned city extension projects, urban regeneration, post-disaster urban restructuring initiatives and urban projects and trainings in the Russian Federation, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Czech Republic, China, India, Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, South Africa, Haiti, Rwanda and Kenya.

John Gitau

Land information Officer, Land and Global Land Tool Network (GLTN) Unit, UN-Habitat

John Gitau is currently supporting the technical development and country-level implementation of Fit-For-Purpose land administration tools and approaches for securing land rights. He is also the focal point of GLTN’s country programs in Kenya and the Philippines.

Zuzana Vuová

Associate Programme Management Officer, Capacity Development Unit, UN-Habitat

Zuzana Vuová is a social scientist and programme manager with experience in the areas of capacity building, inclusive social development, participatory processes and youth rights. She joined UN-Habitat in January 2018. There, she supports the development, implementation and evaluation of various training and capacity building workshops and courses for urban leaders and city planners.

Rafael H. Forero H.

Urban Policy and Metropolitan Development Expert, Regional and Metropolitan Planning Unit, UN-Habitat

Rafael Forero, engineer. Master’s in development. Specialist in development, public policies and project management. International consultant on public policies, urban and territorial development and sustainable development.

Jesus Salcedo

Housing Specialist, Housing and Slum Upgrading Branch, UN-Habitat

Jesus Salcedo Villanueva is an urban manager currently working for UN-Habitat Headquarters, where he manages the Global Network for Sustainable Housing, and the Urban Migration Portfolio.

Lynne Karago

Research and Communications Specialist, UN-Habitat’s Research, Capacity, and Development Branch (RCDB), Best Practices Unit.

Lynne Karago leads the media relations, communications and research of the Best Practices Unit within the branch to ensure that all activities are properly disseminated to internal and external partners. In this position, she has coordinated best practices related activities with major stakeholders such as Dubai Municipality, Shanghai Municipality and international organizations such as United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) and Cities Alliance.

Roberto Herrera

Municipal Finance Unit, Urban Economy and Finance Branch

Roberto Herrera is a lawyer and obtained an MSc in Development Administration and Planning from University College London (UCL). He is specialized in sustainable urbanization through knowledge, skills, and expertise based on a three-pronged approach to legal frameworks, planning, and local finances.