As we reflect on the first quarter of 2025, The Shift continues to advance housing rights across Europe and beyond through strategic partnerships, advocacy, and knowledge sharing. Our team has been engaged in several initiatives that are helping to reshape housing policy and strengthen the role of cities in addressing housing challenges.
Rome: “All We Need Is Home” Conference
This quarter, we were honored to participate in the “All We Need Is Home” conference in Rome, organized by Deputy Mayor Tobia Zevi and Mayor Roberto Gualtieri. The event brought together an impressive coalition of housing advocates and city leaders, including Irene Tinagli (Chair of the European Parliament’s special committee on housing), Matthew Baldwin (Head of the European Commission’s Housing Taskforce), and deputy mayors from Barcelona, Paris, Bologna, Athens, Lisbon, and Parma.
In her keynote address, our Global Director Leilani Farha shared three numbers that frame the global housing crisis: 1.8 billion people living in inadequate housing worldwide; $280 trillion in global residential real estate value (more than double the world’s GDP); and 67% of the world’s wealth stored in real estate. These figures highlight the fundamental disconnect between housing as a financial asset and housing as a human right.
Leilani also spoke about the mission-oriented and human rights approach to housing she co-developed with economist Mariana Mazzucato, emphasizing that “social goods like housing should produce public benefits first and foremost.” The Rome leadership team demonstrated their commitment to this approach through site visits showcasing innovative housing solutions, including a project that transformed former army barracks into permanent homes for 52 families through meaningful resident consultation.
Learn more about the conference and the work Rome is doing to uphold the right to housing
Barcelona: Strengthening Cities’ Voice in EU Governance
Looking ahead, our Global Director has been invited by Barcelona Mayor Jaume Collboni to join the Local Europe Working Group, a strategic advisory body focused on reinforcing cities’ roles within EU institutional and policymaking structures.
In an era facing rising authoritarianism and populism, cities have emerged as pivotal defenders of democracy and effective problem-solvers for challenges like the housing crisis and climate change. The Working Group will analyze current arrangements for cities’ involvement in EU decision-making and develop a roadmap to amplify local governments’ voices, with special attention to housing, climate action, and competitiveness.
The process will culminate in a comprehensive report advocating for stronger local representation in EU governance.
More information to come!
Open House Europe: The City Belongs
European Project Director Marta Ribera Carbó recently represented The Shift at the Open House Europe Annual Summit, participating in an inspiring panel titled “The City Belongs.” The discussion explored how participatory democracy can transform urban planning and create better cities for all residents.
Joined by experts including Aliénor Saint-Cast (Plateau Urbain), Ailbhe Cunningham (AMPLE Space Architecture), and Akil Scafe-Smith and Seth Scafe Smith (RESOLVE Collective), the conversation highlighted how meaningful collaboration between citizens, designers, and policymakers can strengthen communities and improve the built environment.
Watch the full panel discussion on YouTube
As we move into the second quarter of 2025, we’re excited to continue working across Europe to operationalize the right to housing at city level. Stay connected with us for more updates as our work evolves!
