Housing and urban development as drivers of social inclusion and climate action in Latin America and the Caribbean: remarks delivered at the thirty-third General Assembly of the Forum of Ministers and High-level Authorities of Housing and Urban Development of Latin America and the Caribbean (MINURVI)

The Forum of Ministers and High-level Authorities of Housing and Urban Development of Latin America and the Caribbean (MINURVI) is the region’s main intergovernmental coordinating body in the areas of housing, human settlements, and sustainable urban development. Its General Assemblies serve as key platforms for political dialogue, the exchange of experiences, and the development of a shared vision among member countries, in collaboration with international organizations, development banks, academia, and civil society. The XXXIII General Assembly of MINURVI was held on December 12 and 13, 2024 in the city of Belém do Pará, Brazil, under the pro tempore presidency of Brazil’s Ministry of Cities, led by Minister Jader Barbalho Filho, with the technical support of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN Habitat) in theirrole as co-technical secretariat. During this meeting, ministers, national authorities and experts from across the region addressed the strategic role of housing and urban development as engines to advance social inclusion, climate action and territorial resilience. The debates highlighted the need for adequate and up-to-date information for decision-making on housing policies, as well as the specific challenges of urban development in environmentally sensitive contexts such as the Amazon. The importance of guaranteeing the right to the city as a fundamental principle of the New Urban Agenda was highlighted, addressing the need to build more equitable, accessible and participatory cities. Likewise, the role of housing in the response to climate change, both in adaptation and mitigation, was underlined. Urban renewal and circular economy strategies were also discussed to promote a more efficient use of land and buildings, new financing schemes and more innovative and sustainable urban management. Access to adequate and sustained financing was identified as a central enabler for advancing transformative projects that integrate environmental sustainability, social justice, and economic development. Throughout the meeting, countries shared concrete experiences and public policy initiatives reflecting their commitment to more inclusive, productive, and resilient urbanization. The Assembly culminated in the adoption of the Belém Declaration, which includes the main agreements and commitments undertaken by the countries of the region centered around a common agenda regarding housing and urban development. In addition, the new MINURVI Executive Committee was elected, with Barbados assuming the presidency for 2025.