#Spain #Barcelona #affordable housing #Urban Housing

Barcelona Launches 'HOWS Barcelona'

Nestled in the heart of Spain, Barcelona is gearing up to host a significant event in the realm of urban development: the 'HOWS Barcelona' summit. Slated for November 3-5, this international gathering will explore critical themes surrounding urban and affordable housing amid the backdrop of the Smart City Expo World Congress. Supported by the City Council of Barcelona and organized by Fira de Barcelona, this summit promises to invigorate discussions on housing, a pressing issue faced by cities worldwide today.

Addressing Urban Housing Challenges

The focal point of HOWS Barcelona is clear: to bring together a diverse array of stakeholders poised to reshape the housing sector on both national and international fronts. This includes city representatives, housing authorities, urban planners, non-profit organizations, real estate developers, investors, and academia. Collectively, they will explore sustainable solutions to contemporary housing challenges. The summit aims to serve as a benchmark for dialogue and innovation, fostering practical solutions to one of urban society's most pressing issues.

Over the course of three days, the summit will feature 20 sessions led by over 100 speakers, all experts in their respective fields. These discussions will revolve around five key themes:
1. Urban Planning and Land Policy: Leveraging these aspects to increase housing availability.
2. Housing Regulations: Implementing legal frameworks to secure public and affordable housing.
3. Innovation in Construction: Utilizing modern techniques to expedite housing delivery.
4. Renovation and Reuse: Focusing on enhancing housing quality.
5. Social and Affordable Housing: Ensuring a sustainable real estate portfolio.

High-Level Engagements

In a bid to bolster international cooperation and dialogue, HOWS Barcelona will facilitate numerous high-profile activities aimed at enhancing political dialogue and sharing best practices among cities. These activities will offer a networking platform for political leaders, mayors, and housing policymakers from around the globe, enabling them to exchange experiences and explore collaborative solutions.

A highlight of the summit will be the Mayors’ Housing Meeting, a closed-door session that gathers city leaders and senior housing officials, followed by an Open Mayors' Roundtable Discussion where international urban leaders can engage in open dialogue on housing challenges and solutions. This format is designed to foster deeper insights and collaborative decision-making.

Moreover, the Barcelona Forum on Housing and Renovation (FHAR) has integrated these discussions into its program for the summit. This annual forum previously operated as an independent event, and it will tackle significant topics such as increasing social housing availability, improving both public and private housing stock through renovation, and effectively regulating the housing market.

Support and Collaboration

HOWS Barcelona is backed by prominent institutions including the Government of Catalonia, the Spanish Ministry of Housing, the Urban Agenda, and the European Union. This collaboration extends to several organizations such as the Metropolitan Area of Barcelona (AMB), the European Investment Bank (EIB), C40 Cities, UN-Habitat, and Metropolis, establishing a robust foundation for the summit's objectives.

As cities around the globe grapple with increasing populations and housing shortages, HOWS Barcelona sets out to be a pivotal gathering for thought leaders committed to finding sustainable solutions in urban housing. With a rich agenda and an impressive lineup of participants, this summit is poised to significantly impact the future of urban housing policies and practices. Don't miss this opportunity to engage in vital conversations that will shape the cities of tomorrow.