Habitat participates in the World Forum
on Buildings and Climate
“We are encouraged to see the inclusion of adequate and affordable housing in the Déclaration de Chaillot, and the recognition that the decarbonization and resilience of our built environment is fundamental to a climate-secure future”, says Patrick Canagasingham, chief operating officer of Habitat for Humanity International, following his participation in the first World Forum on Buildings and Climate, jointly organized by the UN Environment Agency and the French government.
“We are encouraged to see the inclusion of adequate and affordable housing in the Déclaration de Chaillot”— Patrick Canagasingham, chief operating officer of Habitat for Humanity International
The meeting culminated with the signing of the Déclaration de Chaillot, a document that establishes shared principles and a framework of cooperation for global efforts towards decarbonization and actions to combat climate change from the construction sector.
“Governments need to do more to address the housing and climate crises together and protect the most vulnerable families, who already bear the biggest brunt of climate change”, assures Canagasingham.
The Forum was attended by environment and construction ministers of the signatory countries, representatives of the construction industry, representatives of non-governmental organizations such as Patrick Canagasingham, as well as academia and experts.
During the event Habitat for Humanity urges governments – including signatories to Déclaration de Chaillot – to prioritize in:
- Locally led adaptation actions that directly address the needs of the most vulnerable communities, while protecting ecosystems.
- Household-level mitigation solutions that are affordable and accessible for families, particularly in rapidly urbanizing areas.
- Housing and urban settlement transformation to achieve inclusive climate action and resilience for, by, and with vulnerable communities.
Informal settlement in Salvador, Brazil. Habitat for Humanity International, Jason Asteros.