Pacific Housing Forum 2023: Progressing Access to Safe and Resilient Affordable Housing

The Pacific Housing Forum was a significant event which focused on addressing housing challenges. In addition, to shape resilient housing and sustainable futures for communities in the pacific region. It took place on Monday September 4th, 2023, at the Grand Pacific Hotel, on Victoria Parade in Suva. As a result, this prominent gathering brought together a diverse range of stakeholders. Namely government representatives, non-governmental organisations, community leaders, housing experts, and private sector innovators. Specifically to discuss, collaborate, and formulate effective solutions to the region’s pressing housing issues.

The Pacific Housing Challenge

In recent years, the Pacific region has witnessed rapid urbanisation and population growth. Thus, leading to an increasing demand for safe, affordable, and resilient housing options. Indeed, the lack of adequate housing has become a critical issue. As a result, this has adversely affected the well-being and prosperity of many communities. Truly addressing this challenge requires comprehensive strategies. Which should specifically encompass social, economic, and environmental dimensions to ensure inclusive development for all.

Empowering Sustainable Futures

Under the theme “Progressing Access to Safe and Resilient Affordable Housing” the Pacific Housing Forum 2023 aimed to:

Promote Collaboration: Foster cooperation and knowledge exchange among governments, organizations, and communities. Specifically, so that common ground can be found, to work together towards resilient housing solutions.

Highlight Innovations: Showcase innovative housing technologies, materials, and construction methods. Consequently to enhance the quality and affordability of housing in the Pacific region.

Advocate for Policy Reform: Drive discussions on policy frameworks and regulations. Thus, to encourage resilient housing practices and create an enabling environment for investment and development.

Strengthen Community Engagement: Empower local communities to actively participate in decision-making processes such as housing development. Thus, to illustrate and ensure that their needs and aspirations are at the forefront.

Key Themes and Topics

In conclusion the Pacific Housing Forum 2023 covered a wide range of themes and topics, which included:

• Barriers to resilient housing

• Informal settlements

• Climate change

• WaSH

• Demographic changes

• Urbanisation

• Key stakeholder’s responsibilities to access resilient housing
• Governing Laws and Regulations & implementation

• Call to Action