Kathmandu: The President of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), Lok Bahadur Thapa, delivered opening remarks on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG)-11 during a session focused on “Adequate Housing: Design for 7 Generations.”
The program highlighted how traditional knowledge and modern innovation can be integrated to address global housing challenges and develop sustainable, long-lasting solutions.
Addressing the event, President Thapa emphasized the urgency of the issue, stating, “With growing population, rapid urbanization, and climate change intensifying vulnerabilities, addressing the issue of sustainable housing is critical to ensure no one is left behind in our pursuit of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.”
He underscored the importance of long-term thinking in housing design, adding that the Indigenous principle of designing for seven generations should guide the creation of sustainable homes and communities for the future.
President Thapa also noted that sustainable housing is inherently multi-dimensional, requiring coordinated efforts across sectors, including educators, practitioners, and institutions, all of whom bring vital perspectives and solutions.
A key target of SDG 11, Sustainable Cities and Communities, is to ensure safe and affordable housing for all. However, nearly one-third of the global population still faces a housing affordability crisis, underscoring the urgent need for coordinated and innovative solutions.
