Scotland  

We warmly invite you to register for our upcoming virtual panel event chaired by UN-Habitat and co-hosted by the University of Glasgow and SHLC on Wednesday 28 October exploring ‘Housing for all during COVID-19 and beyond’.

Find out more and register here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/virtual-panel-event-housing-for-all-during-covid-19-beyond-registration-121220946113

Chair and Speakers 

• Robert Lewis-Lettington (Chair) – UN-Habitat, Chief of Section for the Land, Housing and Shelter Urban Practices Branch
• Professor Alastair Leyland – NIHR Global Health Research Group, University of Glasgow. Alasdair’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.
• Dr Josephine Mwongeli – 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.
• Rajiv Ranjan Mishra – Director General, National Mission for Clean Ganga Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India
• 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.

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.