UN-Habitat has formalised two international partnerships aimed at strengthening global cooperation on social and affordable housing.
Through letters of intent, UN-Habitat notes that 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.
Speaking during the signing event held during the United Nations Habitat Assembly in the UN Complex in Gigiri, Nairobi, Executive Director of UN-Habitat Anacláudia Rossbach said that these initiatives build on the call by 193 countries requesting UN-Habitat to advance efforts on adequate housing.
She said that the initiative also builds on the transformation of slums and informal settlements through a resolution passed at the second session of the United Nations Habitat Assembly in 2023.
“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,” she said.
“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,” she added.
Nairobi Governor Sakaja Arthur Johnson said 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”.
“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,” Sakaja said.
He divulged that Nairobi city has taken bold steps to transform informal settlements and invest in sustainable, community-driven solutions that put people first.
He said that “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.”
On her part, Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo stated that “by joining forces, we can draw on our experiences, scale up effective solutions, and inspire other urban centres to take action. Together, we recognise that cities are at the forefront of these challenges.”
“Access to housing and social inclusion are top priorities around the world,” she said, adding that housing was “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.”
French Minister Delegate for Francophonie and International Partnerships Thani Mohamed-Soilihi said, “with the social hub in Paris and Nairobi, we are joining forces to innovate and respond to urban challenges.”
“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,” he said.
These initiatives align with the agenda of the recently concluded United Nations Habitat Assembly, which prioritised accelerating action on adequate housing, fostering international partnerships, and advancing the New Urban Agenda through inclusive, sustainable urban development.
By Anita Omwenga
