Issues which the lecture addresses

The lecturer will argue that adequate housing and planning lead to “good” cities. Safe and a affordable housing for all with adequate basic services and the need to place housing as an integrating element of urban planning have been highlighted by both the 2030 Agenda and the New Urban Agenda as priority elements to achieve the sustainable development of countries. In Mexico the urban population will increase from 71.6% in 2010 to 83.2% in 2030, which will make urbanization one of the main transformative trends of the coming decades, posing enormous challenges and opportunities for sustainability in housing, infrastructure, basic services, social integration, among others.

Short analysis of the above issues

We propose housing as the central and integrating element in the compliance of the SDGs and the New Urban Agenda as an integrated approach that incorporate the location of affordable, accessible, efficient, safe, resilient, well-connected and well-located housing, paying special attention to the proximity factor and the strengthening of the spatial relationship with the rest of the urban fabric and the nearby functional spheres.

Based on the City Prosperity Index (CPI) of UN-Habitat, the lecture seeks to establish indicators and monitoring mechanisms as guidelines and reference tools on the quality of housing and the urban environment in the cities of Mexico.

Propositions for addressing the issue

The main opportunities for housing to fully support the appropriate development of cities and the achievement of the SDGs are summarized in 5 cross-cutting themes to comprehensively attain greater alignment of the Infonavit initiatives with the 2030 Agenda:

Disaggregated data. Effective measurement and reliable statistics contribute significantly to the fulfillment of human rights, and therefore to that of the 2030 Agenda, as a mechanism to measure the implementation of civil, economic, political and social rights, and to support decision-making based on in the evidence.

Location and Densification. Housing must be conceived in a sustainable urban environment and in a close relationship with the city in which it is located. Therefore, it is essential to promote the provision and construction of housing in line with the policies of housing, urban development and territorial planning.

Suitable residential environments. The promotion of favorable residential environments in which all residents, regardless of their wealth, origin or gender, can access public services, basic infrastructure, public spaces and all kinds of benefits provided by cities.

Modalities of tenure and different types. The financing of credits for different types of tenure and the promotion of developments appropriate for different types of families and needs, make housing accessible to all socioeconomic groups.

Partnerships with local governments. It is essential the collaboration with multiple stakeholders, between different levels of government and government departments, development banks, the private sector, non-governmental organizations and the local community.