Barcelona to Host Global Summit on the Urban Housing Crisis

The summit arrives as a direct response to the deepening housing pressures facing major cities worldwide. Over three days, the program will integrate 20 specialized sessions featuring more than 100 experts, ranging from urban planners and academic researchers to private developers and non-profit advocates. Participants will focus on five core pillars: land policy reform, regulatory frameworks for public housing, construction innovation, building renovation, and sustainable financing models.

Beyond technical discussions, the congress serves as a high-level diplomatic hub. The agenda includes the Housing Mayors Meeting, a closed-door session for international city leaders to share policy strategies, alongside an open roundtable for global urban stakeholders. By incorporating the previously independent Barcelona Housing and Renovation Forum, the summit consolidates years of local expertise into a broader international dialogue.

Institutional backing for the initiative reflects its scale, with support from the Government of Catalonia, the Spanish Ministry of Housing and Urban Agenda, the European Union, and the European Investment Bank. Organizations such as UN-Habitat and C40 Cities will also collaborate to ensure the event functions as a long-term platform for cross-border cooperation and the rapid implementation of housing solutions.