The International Social Housing Festival officially launched in its 2025 hosting city, Dublin

Every day we see proof at local level around Europe and in Ireland of the amazing energy, the will and creativity at work to change the housing paradigm to focus on people and communities, our Secretary-General, Sorcha Edwards reminded.

She stressed that the International Social Housing Festival, now in its 5th edition, has proven to be a great way to put a spotlight on those success stories channel that energy for the good of everyone and for decent housing for all.

The editions in Amsterdam, Lyon, Helsinki, and Barcelona have moved the conversation away from numbers of ‘units’ towards communities and affordable, inclusive places to live.

Instead of only stressing what has gone wrong, these Festivals have mobilised activists, housing professionals, community groups, policymakers to focus on what society can gain by pushing for excellence in housing for people and the planet, bringing hope and creating synergies to put solutions in place for those households and individuals now stuck in limbo.

Some may question the timing in view of the housing crisis impacting people in Ireland, Europe and all over the world, while others argue that this is precisely why this is the right time for Dublin to take the lead.

Success will depend on the active involvement of all types of organisations from community focussed, tenants unions, human rights and environmental activists to construction and infrastructure experts.

Getting housing right, is a massive challenge and a moving target, what is clear from success stories is that it requires buy-in from all government and local government departments but also from the entire society. This Festival can be a catalyst for just that.

The call for ideas for events will open soon. Stay tuned.

You can also listen to this interview on RTE Radio 1 with our Secretary-General, Sorcha Edwards, starting at 00:53 

Official website of the Festival: www.socialhousingfestival.eu