Housing as a Driver of Socioeconomic Transformation in the Global South Lessons from Mi Casa en Bogota

In a rapidly urbanizing world,building people-centered cities where life can truly thrive is a global imperative.Housing goes beyond its economic role to become the foundation that enables people to access services and build life projects.Under UN-Habitat’s leadership,the international system has advanced key instruments to achieve SDG 11 in response to a global housing crisis,reaffirming the role of national and local governments.Within this context,Bogotá has strengthened implementation of the New Urban Agenda through an integrated,people-centered housing approach linked to land management,mobility,services,sustainability,employment,and social protection.Through its district policy Mi Casa en Bogotá,housing is positioned as a platform for opportunity,social mobility,and collective well-being,prioritizing affordability,strategic location,connectivity,and inclusion of vulnerable populations.Together with Revitaliza tu Barrio,the policy promotes social inclusion,territorial permanence,and regeneration of consolidated urban areas.The plan delivers differentiated demand-and supply-side incentives through eight programs addressing homeownership access,financial closure gaps,mortgage difficulties,home improvements,rental support,financial education,technical assistance,and land generation for social housing.It aims to address 61% of the housing deficit while stimulating employment and revitalizing strategic areas.A defining feature is well-located housing,with social housing promoted in central areas and 18 revitalization zones near mass transit corridors,linking housing to transport,jobs,services,and facilities.Under Mayor Carlos Fernando Galán,investment tripled.In 24 months,26000 families accessed housing solutions;60% of subsidies benefited the lowest-income households.For the first time,12% supported central land.The policy includes a strong gender focus:66% percent of women accessed homeownership through subsidies and 52% of loans went to women.By 2025,the sector employed 247596 people,creating 16400 direct and 35500 indirect jobs,while subsidies leveraged COP 1.2 billion in mortgage credit.Additionally,265,000 m² of public space were improved,benefiting one million people.These achievements led Bogotá to host World Cities Day 2025 and launch with UN-Habitat the Housing and Urban Transformation Hub.At WUF Baku,this event presents Mi Casa en Bogotá as a case of SDG localization and positions the Hub for knowledge exchange and urban investment.