DIALOGUE 1
The global housing crisis: what is the plan?
The world is experiencing an unprecedented housing crisis, with nearly three billion people living in inadequate conditions and many locked out of affordable, secure homes. This dialogue will examine the structural forces driving rising costs, exclusion and the growth of informal settlements, as well as their far-reaching impacts on health, equity and sustainable development. It will highlight emerging solutions — from integrated housing and land policies to community-led models and stronger regulation to curb financialisation. The session will explore how governments at all levels, working with civil society and the private sector, can accelerate action to close the global housing gap and ensure that adequate, affordable housing becomes a reality for all.
DIALOGUE 2
Transforming informal settlements and slums
Informal settlements are now a dominant form of urban growth, providing homes for millions but often marked by limited services, insecure tenure and growing exposure to climate risks. This dialogue will examine how informal processes, rapid urban growth and constrained access to affordable land shape living conditions and opportunities for residents. It will explore approaches that work with, rather than against, informality – including in-situ upgrading, flexible planning and the recognition of diverse tenure arrangements. The session will highlight community-led models, livelihood-linked strategies and financing tools that can improve services, strengthen resilience and support more inclusive and sustainable neighborhoods.
DIALOGUE 3
Housing at the centre of crisis recovery and reconstruction
When crises destroy homes and uproot communities, the loss reaches far beyond physical structures: it affects safety, dignity, livelihoods and the fabric of social life. As more displaced people seek refuge in urban areas, many find themselves in precarious housing situations that heighten their vulnerability to further shocks. This dialogue will explore why housing must stand at the centre of crisis response, recovery and reconstruction, and how cities can restore stability by protecting housing, land and property rights and supporting self-recovery. The session will highlight housing solutions that meet urgent needs while enabling long-term recovery, resilience and inclusion for displaced people and host communities alike.
DIALOGUE 4
The climate–housing nexus
Climate change is reshaping where and how people live, exposing millions to rising heat, floods and storms, and placing homes and neighbourhoods at growing risk. At the same time, housing itself is a major source of emissions, with the built environment driving a large share of global energy demand and carbon output. This dialogue will explore how housing systems can reduce emissions while protecting people from climate impacts, and how cities can expand housing without locking in future risks. It will consider low-carbon construction, nature-based solutions, and approaches that safeguard the rights and needs of vulnerable communities. The session will highlight strategies that bring climate action and housing policy together to advance resilience, equity and sustainability.
DIALOGUE 5
The social and economic power of housing
Housing is one of the world’s most powerful economic sectors, generating jobs, supporting domestic industries and shaping household stability and wealth. Its social returns are equally significant, influencing health, education, safety and community cohesion. This dialogue will explore how well-designed housing systems can drive inclusive growth, reduce poverty and strengthen resilience, and why speculative investment and financialization can undermine these outcomes. It will consider models that channel investment into affordable, sustainable homes and examine the role of local and national governments in maximizing housing’s economic and social impact. The session will highlight approaches that unlock housing’s potential as both an economic engine and a driver of equity and wellbeing.
DIALOGUE 6
A new deal for housing finance
Across many countries, housing finance systems are failing to reach those who need them most, leaving millions without access to affordable credit or secure pathways to adequate housing. At the same time, speculative investment and rising costs are widening inequalities and straining housing markets. This dialogue will explore what a new deal for housing finance could look like – one that expands access, strengthens regulation and mobilizes investment for affordable and resilient homes. It will consider innovative and community-based models, the role of public finance, and ways to de-risk private investment in lower-income segments. The session will highlight reforms that can build more inclusive, balanced and sustainable housing finance systems.
