Owen Bonnici highlights affordable housing initiatives at UN meeting

Affordable housing remains central to Malta's long-term social and economic strategy, Housing Minister Owen Bonnici has told a high-level United Nations meeting.

Addressing a midterm review of the UN's New Urban Agenda in New York, Bonnici acknowledged that housing, climate resilience and sustainable land use are among the world's most pressing urban challenges.

He said Malta's high population density and limited land resources required long-term planning and people-centred policies to create more sustainable communities.

Bonnici highlighted measures being implemented through the Housing Authority, including social housing, rent assistance schemes, support for first-time buyers and targeted assistance for vulnerable individuals and families.

He also referred to initiatives intended to help people who do not qualify for social housing but still struggle to enter the property market.

The minister linked those measures to the government's Vision Malta 2050 strategy and also referred to the government's 'Id-Dar t'Għada' initiative, which aims to shape long-term housing policies for young people, families, older persons and vulnerable groups.

Bonnici said housing policy should continue to promote climate resilience, environmental sustainability and the responsible use of land while ensuring equal access to housing.

He called for stronger international cooperation, innovative financing mechanisms and closer partnerships to accelerate implementation of the New Urban Agenda.

"Access to adequate housing is more than a social goal. It is the foundation of dignity, opportunity, wellbeing and resilience. The homes we build today will shape the communities we leave to future generations," he said.

The New Urban Agenda was adopted by UN member states in 2016 to promote sustainable urban development worldwide.