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HOWS Barcelona: An International Summit for Housing Solutions

Barcelona is set to host the inaugural HOWS Barcelona – Housing World Summit from November 3 to 5, 2026, at the Gran Via venue as part of the Smart City Expo World Congress. This international congress aims to tackle one of the pressing issues of modern cities: the need for urban and affordable housing. Organized by Fira de Barcelona and promoted by the Barcelona City Council, HOWS Barcelona is expected to be a pivotal platform for discussion, innovation, and solution development in the housing sector.

A Platform for Change

The summit is designed to unite key stakeholders capable of transforming the housing industry, including urban planning authorities, housing providers, non-profit organizations, real estate developers, and academic experts from around the globe. By facilitating direct engagement among these groups, the initiative strives to cultivate actionable strategies to address contemporary housing challenges.

During the event's three-day agenda, participants can look forward to over 20 sessions and insights from more than 100 speakers. The discussions will revolve around five essential themes: urban planning and land policy, housing regulation, building innovation, renovation and reuse of existing structures, and the financial mechanisms that underpin housing development. Each of these topics is crucial for working towards sustainable solutions to improve housing availability and affordability.

High-Level Political Engagement

In addition to the general sessions, HOWS Barcelona will host high-level summits aimed at enhancing political dialogue and international cooperation. Political leaders, mayors, and housing policymakers will gather to exchange best practices and foster dialogue on shared housing strategies. This collaborative atmosphere is designed to encourage collective action among cities and facilitate the sharing of successes and challenges experienced in various regions.

As part of these high-level engagements, the summit will feature exclusive events like the Housing Mayors Meeting, a closed-door session where city leaders can delve into key issues affecting urban housing, as well as the Housing Mayors Roundtable, an expansive discussion that includes input from global urban leaders. This multifaceted approach ensures that all relevant voices are heard in the quest for impactful solutions to housing challenges.

The Integration of Community Feedback

Adding to the congress's comprehensive approach is the integration of community feedback and stakeholder experiences, which will be captured and presented throughout the event. The insights gained from these discussions are intended to inform future policies and practical implementations in the municipal housing landscape.

This year's Housing and Renovation Forum (FHAR) will also be incorporated into the HOWS agenda. Previously a standalone event, this forum will examine critical issues surrounding the expansion of public housing, the renovation of existing housing stock, and the regulation of housing markets. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with these crucial themes in-depth, contributing to the broader conversation about housing efficacy.

A Collaborative Effort for Sustainable Housing

HOWS Barcelona is supported by important entities, including the Government of Catalonia, the Spanish Ministry of Housing and Urban Agenda, and institutions such as the European Investment Bank, C40 Cities, UN-Habitat, and Metropolis. This multi-organizational backing highlights the commitment to addressing urban housing issues significantly and collectively.

The summit promises not only to inspire fresh ideas and collaborative projects but also to reaffirm the collective momentum needed to effect change in urban housing policies. As cities worldwide increasingly grapple with the challenges of housing shortages and affordability, the importance of events like HOWS Barcelona cannot be overstated.

In summary, HOWS Barcelona stands not merely as a conference but as a catalyst for meaningful dialogue and action on one of the most critical issues of our time – ensuring access to affordable housing in urban spaces. All eyes will be on Barcelona as it leads the way in redefining the housing landscape on a global scale.