"If we want local and regional governments to play their full role in housing and land-use planning, we need governance systems that combine democratic legitimacy, long-term capacity and effective multilevel co-ordination," underlined Congress Secretary General Mathieu Mori addressing the UN World Urban Forum in Baku, Azerbaijan, on 19 May 2026.
Speaking at the Local and Regional Governments (LRG) Roundtable on "LRG Leadership for Adequate Housing and Resilient Communities", Secretary General Mori highlighted five mechanisms to this end: legally protected local and regional competences in spatial planning, land management and housing policy; fiscal autonomy and access to long-term financing; governance arrangements connecting municipalities, regions and national governments; meaningful participation of citizens in planning processes; and integrated territorial planning linked to human rights and sustainability.
"Housing challenges are experienced locally, and decisions need to be taken as close as possible to citizens, in line with the principle of subsidiarity enshrined in the European Charter of Local Self Government," he said. "National governments should move from a model of control to a model of partnership with local and regional authorities. Housing is not only an economic issue, but a question of democratic resilience, social rights and human dignity. Good governance in housing means ensuring that cities remain liveable, inclusive and accessible for all generations," concluded the Congress Secretary General.
This year's World Urban Forum, convened by UN-Habitat, focused on addressing the global housing crisis and promoting housing as a foundation for safe, resilient and inclusive cities and communities.
See also:
Addressing the housing crisis: Congress calls for innovative, needs-based social housing investments
