GuidelinesUN‑HABITAT commissioned a survey and presented a report in 2002 stressing the importance of effective decentralization for enhancing local governance in support of the implementation of the Habitat Agenda. The survey noted that a number of developed and developing countries were involved in redefining relations between their different territorial jurisdictions on one or more of the following: transferring or streamlining functions, redefining decision‑making powers and authority, and reallocating resources. The present “Guidelines on decentralization and strengthening of local authorities” have, after a decade of research and focused debate,been approved by the Governing Council for UN‑HABITAT.