Grassroots and Civil Society Organizations Assembly: Opening session

In a scenario of increasingly difficult conditions for mobilization of grassroots and civil society organizations (CSO), coupled with the worsening effects of the global housing and climate crises, the World Urban Forum (WUF13) CSO and grassroots assembly seeks to be a space of solidarity, strategizing and coordination for joint action with local and meaningful impact. The Assembly will surface concrete solutions and propositions related to grassroots action in advancing the human right to adequate housing. These will feed into the WUF13 Grassroots and Civil Society Roundtable which will comprise discussions with States, local authorities and other actors in relation to the New Urban Agenda, Sustainable Development Goals and local obligations and commitments.       

The Assembly will build upon the collective momentum and coordination of grassroots groups and civil society before and leading up to WUF13 by connecting emerging proposals, tangible solutions and organizing strategies to realize global solidarity and change for adequate housing. The session will be conducted in three main segments: firstly, articulating collective priorities identified in the lead-up to WUF 13, secondly discussing strategic national and regional alliances, coalitions and partnerships for advocacy and action; and finally putting concrete ideas in reimagining a future realizing the right to adequate housing. The session will encourage participants to articulate concrete opportunities for engagement during and beyond WUF13, to advance the struggles for securing access and enjoyment of housing, land and basic services for all. 

The Assembly will also provide a space to critically reflect on the political economy of housing, participation and livelihoods, ensuring that grassroots-led solutions are not framed as compensatory measures for systemic inequality, but as drivers of structural transformation grounded in rights, redistribution, and dignity. 

As all WUF13 stakeholder-led sessions, this assembly is developed through a participatory process driven by Civil Society and Grassroot organizations, seeking to ensure representation and diversity.  

Guiding questions

1. What substantial transformations are needed to face the global housing crisis and how can grassroots groups contribute to driving these responses? 
2. What are concrete examples of initiatives, policies and legal/regulatory frameworks that have been effective in protecting the social and environmental function of housing and land and preventing evictions? 
3. How can grassroots groups support collaboration across stakeholders and different spheres of government? 

Expected outcomes

1. Strengthen partnerships: between grassroots and CSOs with local, regional and national governments, as well as other stakeholders to advance adequate housing. 
2. Build a community of practice: on rights-based, intersectional and community-led approaches to housing and urban planning beyond WUF13. 
3. Shape the WUF13 Baku Call to Action: through grassroots groups’ and CSO’s inputs