Housing policies to strengthen climate resilience

Climate change is a major accelerator of the housing and informal settlements crisis. The lack of urban planning and resilient infrastructure contributes to the intensification of climate impacts such as floods, landslides, and heat waves, causing disasters, displacement, economic losses, and loss of life. In pursuit of shifting the narrative from crisis to opportunity and recognizing housing as a key lever for climate action and SDG localization, this Dialogue will explore integrated and equitable strategies for achieving adequate housing while contributing to local and global efforts to address climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. The session will also build momentum toward the “Road to UAE: The Local Way” and the 2026 UN Water Conference by highlighting the interlinkages between climate resilience, housing, water and sanitation, public services, and SDG localization.