Virtual Panel Event: Housing for All During COVID-19 and Beyond
The right to housing is a fundamental human right. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the pre-existing and long-standing housing inequality crisis in cities. This virtual panel event, co-hosted by UN-Habitat, University of Glasgow and SHLC, provided a platform to discuss the impact of COVID 19 on the housing sector and how housing policies can help to deliver more sustainable and inclusive urban development.
Download presentations and watch recording of the event via the links below.
Chair and Speakers
- Robert Lewis-Lettington (Chair) – UN-Habitat, Chief of Section for the Land, Housing and Shelter Urban Practices Branch
- Dr Josephine Malonza – University of Rwanda. Josephine is currently working with the GCRF Centre for Sustainable, Healthy and Learning Cities and Neighbourhoods (SHLC) exploring the Rwandan cities of Kigali and Huye.
- Dr Mauro Sanchez – Epidemiologist performing research activities with the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation in Brazil.
- Dr Smarajit Jana – Chief Advisor to the Durbar Mahila Samanwaya Committee a collective of sex workers in West Bengal working on women’s rights.
- Professor Vittal Katikireddi – Deputy Director, NIHR Global Health Research Group, University of Glasgow. Vittal’s research examines the impact of the Brazilian housing programme on health outcomes.
- Professor Ken Gibb – Director of the UK Collaborative Centre for Housing Evidence. Ken leads a research project charting housing policy changes generated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Rajiv Ranjan Mishra – Director General, National Mission for Clean Ganga Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India
Abstract
The right to housing is a fundamental human right. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the pre-existing and long-standing housing inequality crisis in cities. Approximately 1.8 billion people live in precarious housing conditions. Overcrowded accommodation, homelessness, lack of proper sanitation and safe water supply leave are leaving communities fatally exposed to infection. Governments, civil society and international institutions have implemented actions to address the emergency. But long term approaches to housing that address inequalities are crucial to promote post-disaster recovery and protect vulnerable communities from extreme events in the future.
UN-Habitat’s Urban October presents an opportunity to engage in a global discussion about the role of housing as a foundation for people’s wellbeing and sustainable living. This panel discussion provides a platform to discuss the impact of COVID-19 on the housing sector and how housing policies can help to deliver more sustainable and inclusive urban development.
This event is co-hosted by UN-Habitat, University of Glasgow and SHLC as part of UN-Habitat’s Urban October.
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