Housing at the Center in Lusophone Countries: Implementing the New Urban Agenda and the SDG 11

The aim of the event is to exchange knowledge and innovations amongst Lusophone countries on how to implement SDG Target 11.1, 'ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services, and upgrade slums' and the NUA.

Across the globe, nine countries [1] have Portuguese as their official language. They are located in four continents - Europe, America, Africa and Asia - and represent 7.2 percent of the planet's land with a population of about 280 million people. Lusophone countries are connected not only by linguistic identity, but also by historical and cultural ties, which form a network of interests that transcend geographic distance.

Although their urban and housing challenges differ in many ways i.e. according to urbanization, income and climate, there are many lessons than can be exchanged and build upon. One of the commonalities most lusophone countries have is the legal framework, Lusophone countries also have common interest to increase their unity in other to seize developmental opportunities and overcome challenges related to access to knowledge due to language barriers.

Cooperation amongst Lusophone countries is then key to transferring knowledge and lessons learned, and WUF is an opportunity in this regard.

The objectives of this event are:

Bring together international stakeholders to discuss the challenges faced by Lusophone countries to implement the NUA and SDG Target 11.1

Foster technical cooperation on housing sector development between Lusophone countries and international actors.

Create a network of Lusophone stakeholders to exchange and produce knowledge on inclusive and sustainable housing policies tools, projects and practices that will support the implementation of the NUA and SDG11.1.