There are one billion slum dwellers worldwide, and it is estimated that an additional 3 billion people will need adequate housing by 2030. Since 2008, the Participatory Slum Upgrading Programme (PSUP), a tripartite initiative of the African, Caribbean and Pacific group of States (ACP) Secretariat, the European Commission (EC), and UN-Habitat, advocates for slum dwellers’ rights and aims at improving living standards in informal settlements and slums towards the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal Target 11.1 “By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums”.

On the eve of an international conference on large scale investments in slums, to be held in Brussels from 14-16 November 2018, the lecture will explore the social, economic and environmental sustainability dimensions of slum upgrading initiatives, drawing on the experience of the Participatory Slum Upgrading Programme and looking ahead to new partnerships. The lecture will also discuss methodologies and tools for up-scaling slum upgrading and affordable housing.

Image: Participatory Slum Upgrading Programme, UN-Habitat