Edlam Abera Yemeru is currently the Chief of the Urbanization and Development Section at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA). In this capacity, she leads the delivery of technical assistance to African member States in support of policies and strategies to leverage the potential of urbanization for economic diversification and inclusive growth. This involves strengthening linkages between spatial planning and economic, national and sector policy priorities and investments, including through long-term program and project prioritization. A particular focus of this work aims to better connect urban and industrial policies in Africa. Previously, she led a number of normative and operational programs to promote sustainable urbanization at UN-Habitat, where she also co-authored several editions of the Global Report on Human Settlements. Edlam holds an MPhil in Development Studies from the University of Cambridge and a PhD in Human Geography from the University of London.
