Affordable and Adequate Housing – National Policies and International Coalition in support of Sustainable Development Goals

The 2008 global financial and economic crisis (GFC) underscored the vital role that stable and transparent housing markets play in countries’ economies as a result of the crisis. In other countries, particularly those with economy in transition, housing situation was critical even before the crisis and got worse after. Some countries have experienced disturbing imbalances in their housing markets with foreclosures, homelessness, excess housing stock and a lack of affordable housing.

Poor, disadvantaged and vulnerable populations lack affordable and adequate housing options. Those living in substandard and informal settlements often lack water, sanitation and other public services. It is estimated that there are more than 100 million people in the UNECE region current spending more than 40% of their income on housing. These problems are only set to worsen with a global projection of 2 billion people require social housing by 2030. If the Agenda 2030 Sustainable Development Goals for housing are to be realised then proper national policies and international guidance and assistance are required.

The need for adjusting national policies for the provision of affordable adequate housing has been discussed in different fora by the governments, housing providers and other stakeholders. Multiple high-level documents have been adopted and initiatives launched, including the UN-Habitat Global Housing Strategy and Housing at the Centre, the Geneva UN Charter on Sustainable Housing, a nonbinding document adopted by 56 countries of UNECE region, Housing for All campaign led by Housing Europe.

The networking event will promote building synergies between different organisations and networks and discussions on the topic of affordable adequate housing, national policies needed and international organizations’ role.