The symposium commemorates the 50th anniversary of the United Nations Conference on Human Settlements (Habitat I), held in Vancouver in 1976. The Conference resulted in the adoption of the Vancouver Declaration on Human Settlements, which established a global recognition of adequate housing as a fundamental human right and laid the foundations for what has since evolved into the United Nations' present framework on sustainable urbanization, the New Urban Agenda, which is undergoing its mid-term review under the President of the United Nations General Assembly.

The symposium will convene distinguished international and Canadian policymakers, academics, practitioners, Indigenous leaders, and representatives of civil society to explore emerging priorities for the future. Building on the legacy of Habitat I, discussions will examine Canada's contributions to advancing adequate housing and sustainable urban development while highlighting the leadership of governments, Indigenous Nations, communities, academic institutions, and other partners in addressing contemporary urban challenges.

Bringing together senior leadership alongside a diverse global network of urban practitioners and experts, the symposium will provide a unique platform to showcase Canadian innovation, policy experience, and partnerships within an international dialogue. It will also facilitate the exchange of comparative perspectives and practical lessons from countries confronting common challenges related to housing affordability, climate resilience, and inclusive urban development.

Further information on the Habitat: 50 Years of Transforming Cities in Canada and the World symposium, including background documentation and registration details, are available on the symposium website; unhabitat50.ubc.ca.