Scaling Inclusive Urban Transformation and Redefining the Right to Housing - Practical Insights for Resilient Cities

Grounded in the idea of housing as a fundamental human right, this session will bring together tangible, human-centered solutions developed by metropolises and the cities affected by them from diverse geographies through integrated environmental, economic, and cultural approaches to address the global housing crisis. In an era of unprecedented urban growth, the event will explore the complexities of sustainable housing across a broad spectrum, ranging from large-scale industrial hubs and high-density metropolitan districts to global policy-leading cities and rapidly growing capitals. The discussion will feature first-hand accounts of disaster-oriented urban transformation in industrial centers and high-density areas. The city leaders will provide practical insights into making housing physically and structurally safe for all. Moreover, through the discussion of in situ regeneration models that prioritize social cohesion while preventing displacement, the session will address how to build 'resilient communities' that are socially and culturally stable. By integrating climate-responsive development into the housing agenda, the session aims to emphasize that resilience is not merely a technical requirement but a social necessity. The event seeks to showcase the vital role of local governments as key actors in shaping global solutions. Through city-to-city knowledge sharing, the session will examine how peer learning can support the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals at the local level. City leaders will share the practical challenges they encounter in financing, bureaucracy, and public participation. Ultimately, the session will foster a dialogue on finding common ground and transferable insights for building cities where housing serves as the cornerstone for economic stability, cultural continuity, and long-term urban resilience.