Investor Roundtable: How can MDBs support sustainable housing at the local level?

This Investor Roundtable will convene Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs), city networks, national and local governments, and urban practitioners to explore how a systemic, programmatic approach to sustainable housing can unlock scalable investment and implementation at the local level. Anchored in the Gap Fund Investor Roundtable theme “How can MDBs support sustainable housing at the local level?,” the discussion will aim to identify actionable solutions that enable cities to deliver adequate, affordable, and climate-resilient housing. The session will focus on housing as a foundational urban system, linking land, infrastructure, finance, planning, and governance. Particular attention will be given to resilient and affordable housing, social and rental housing models, and the integration of climate resilience, energy efficiency, and sustainable materials. Rather than isolated project approaches or politically constrained slum upgrading, the dialogue will emphasize greenfield and structured urban development, public-.private partnerships, and coherent upgrading strategies grounded in local planning frameworks. MDBs will share insights on why housing pipelines struggle to reach implementation, how project preparation facilities and new delivery models can better serve cities, and how finance can be aligned with city-level capacity and investment readiness. City perspectives will highlight real-world constraints and opportunities, ensuring solutions are demand-driven and community-focused. Using an interactive fishbowl format, the session will foster exchange between high-level MDB decision-makers and technical practitioners, bringing diverse voices together to outline practical pathways for MDBs and partners to support cities in scaling inclusive, climate-resilient housing solutions.