Towards an inclusive and sustainable transformation of informal settlements and slums

Informal settlements and slums are home to millions of people worldwide and remain central to the social, economic, and spatial fabric of cities. Yet, in contexts of rapid urbanization, persistent socio-economic inequalities, climate stress, and institutional constraints, these areas are often among the most vulnerable and underserved. Inadequate housing, limited access to basic services and infrastructure, insecure tenure, and informality exacerbate exclusion, while fragmented development responses frequently fail to address structural urban inequalities. This session will explore how integrated, inclusive, and people-centered approaches to informal settlement upgrading and slum transformation can accelerate progress towards the New Urban Agenda and respond to the WUF13 call for action-oriented solutions for more equitable, resilient, and sustainable cities. The discussion will highlight comprehensive programmes that combine housing improvement, provision of basic services, infrastructure upgrading, and access to public facilities, while strengthening social cohesion and improving living conditions. The session will bring together national and local government officials, regional institutions, development partners, civil society organizations, academia, and urban practitioners from different regions to foster cross-regional dialogue and knowledge exchange. It will emphasize the role of strong institutions, effective governance arrangements, and inclusive planning processes in ensuring sustainable and scalable outcomes. The session will further examine enabling policy frameworks, financing mechanisms, institutional coordination, and technical tools that allow informal settlement upgrading to be embedded within national and local urban development strategies. Particular attention will be given to rights-based and inclusive approaches that protect vulnerable populations, prevent displacement, and enhance trust in public institutions. By placing informal settlements and slums at the center of the urban development agenda, the event will demonstrate how integrated approaches contribute to SDG 10 on reducing inequalities, SDG 11 on inclusive and sustainable cities with universal access to basic services, and SDG 16 on effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions, ultimately supporting long-term, inclusive urban transformation.