HIC has officially signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with UN-Habitat (the United Nations Human Settlements Programme). Finalized at the 13th World Urban Forum (WUF13), this strategic 3-year agreement bridges grassroots activism with global policy to advance the right to adequate housing, land, and basic services worldwide.
This partnership honors a shared legacy: both HIC and the foundations of UN-Habitat were born 50 years ago at the historic Habitat I conference in 1976. Today, this agreement ensures that the voices of local communities, social movements, and civil society are directly integrated into international decision-making.
What Does the Agreement Achieve?
Running from May 2026 to May 2029, the collaboration focuses on four core pillars:
- Amplifying Grassroots Voices: Driving greater leadership and participation of civil society in global policymaking and advocacy.
- Housing and Climate Justice: Boosting international support for the social production of habitat (housing built and managed by communities), preventing forced evictions, and linking housing rights with gender and climate justice.
- A Seat at the Table: Ensuring local organizations have a direct voice at major UN forums, including the UN-Habitat Assembly and future World Urban Forums.
- Human Rights First: Deepening the integration of human rights standards across all UN-Habitat programs, informal settlement transformations, and urban development strategies.
Turning Policy into Action
To bring these goals to life, HIC and UN-Habitat will co-develop annual work plans. These plans will focus on shared research, anti-discriminatory land policies, cooperative housing models, and tracking the local progress of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
A Quick Clarification: This is a non-fiscal collaboration agreement. It carries no funding or financial obligations, meaning HIC does not receive grants from UN-Habitat. Instead, it serves as a powerful, formal platform to amplify global housing advocacy.
Looking Ahead
This achievement belongs to our entire network. We extend our deepest gratitude to the HIC Board Representatives and coordinators whose dedication brought this agreement to fruition.
As we look toward the future, HIC will continue to keep our members and allies updated as the first annual work plan rolls out.
