International Mayors Council on Homelessness Sign Joint Declaration in Paris

International Mayors Council on Homelessness Meets in Paris to Address Global Crisis

The International Mayors Council on Homelessness recently gathered in Paris to tackle the pressing issue of inadequate housing affecting 1.6 billion people globally, as highlighted in a 2023 United Nations report. This council, a partnership between DePaul University’s Ruff Institute of Global Homelessness and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme, aims to bring together leaders from around the world to work towards solutions for homelessness.

During the meeting in Paris, mayors and elected officials from more than a dozen cities across three continents signed a joint declaration committing to ending homelessness locally, regionally, and globally. The council, established in 2023, serves as a platform for sharing best practices, discussing challenges, and advocating for action on the issue of homelessness.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, one of the original members of the council, emphasized the importance of recognizing housing as a human right and collaborating with other cities to find effective strategies to address homelessness. The meeting in Paris also included discussions on successful initiatives from Vanguard Cities, such as Greater Manchester, England, where street homelessness decreased significantly under Mayor Andy Burnham’s leadership.

The commitment to ending homelessness was further reinforced by Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo, who stressed the moral obligation of city leaders to support and protect vulnerable populations. The meeting in Paris concluded with a two-year work plan to drive coordinated efforts in addressing homelessness on a larger scale.

As the global community grapples with the growing challenge of homelessness, initiatives like the International Mayors Council on Homelessness provide hope for progress and collaboration among cities worldwide. With the support of organizations like the Ruff Institute of Global Homelessness and UN-Habitat, mayors are working together to make a meaningful impact on this critical issue.

For more information about the council and participating leaders, visit their website.