In a major stride toward global cooperation on affordable housing, the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) has formalized two landmark international partnerships during the United Nations Habitat Assembly aimed at strengthening access to inclusive, dignified housing.
Through letters of intent, the partnerships focus on the creation of a social housing and cooperation hub to connect cities from different continents and to advance innovative tools and solutions for inclusive housing.
The first letter of intent launched a Social Housing Hub co-hosted by the cities of Paris and Nairobi, bringing together UN-Habitat, the City of Paris, and Nairobi City County to connect cities and promote inclusive, community-driven housing solutions including the transformation of informal settlements and slums.
The second letter of intent, between UN-Habitat and the Government of France, will allow the Hub to be hosted in France to support global collaboration, knowledge sharing, and capacity-building on inclusive housing systems.
“With nearly 3 billion people today experiencing some form of housing inadequacy, these partnerships reflect our shared commitment to a future where everyone can live with dignity,” said Anacláudia Rossbach, Executive Director of UN-Habitat. “By linking cities, governments, and communities across continents, we are reinforcing global coalitions and building momentum toward the New Urban Agenda and the right to housing.”
These initiatives build on the call by 193 countries requesting UN-Habitat to advance efforts on adequate housing and the transformation of slums and informal settlement, through a resolution passed at the second session of the United Nations Habitat Assembly in 2023.
Anne Hidalgo, Mayor of Paris, stated: “Access to housing and social inclusion are top priorities around the world. Housing is not just about a roof over one’s head: It is about providing dignified living conditions, fostering social cohesion, and enabling socioeconomic and climate resilience. Together, we recognize that cities are at the forefront of these challenges. By joining forces, we can draw on our experiences, scale up effective solutions, and inspire other urban centers to take action.”
Sakaja Johnson, Governor of Nairobi, stated: “In Nairobi, we know that access to dignified, affordable housing is not just a matter of policy it is a matter of daily life, social justice, and opportunity. Our city has taken bold steps to transform informal settlements and invest in sustainable, community-driven solutions that put people first. This partnership with Paris and UN-Habitat is a testament to the results we have achieved on the ground and our ambition to do even more. By sharing Nairobi’s lessons and learning from other cities, we reaffirm our commitment to making decent housing a reality for all starting at home, and inspiring change around the world.”
“We are honoured to sign this declaration of cooperation with UN-Habitat, marking a crucial step in our partnership to promote affordable and sustainable housing,” said Thani Mohamed-Soilihi, French Minister Delegate for Francophonie and International Partnerships. “With the social hub in Paris and Nairobi, we are joining forces to innovate and respond to urban challenges. France is proud to welcome UN-Habitat, making Paris and France leading actors of global challenges and sustainable development.”
These initiatives align directly with the agenda of the United Nations Habitat Assembly, which prioritizes accelerating action on adequate housing, fostering international partnerships, and advancing the New Urban Agenda through inclusive, sustainable urban development.
