Lalitpur, Nepal - June 22, 2025
A National-Level Consultation Workshop on Community-Led Housing took place on Sunday, June 22, 2025, in Lalitpur. The event was co-organized by the Ministry of Urban Development (MoUD) and Lumanti Support Group for Shelter, bringing together over 70 participants representing diverse stakeholders, including government officials, community representatives, civil society organizations, urban planners, and researchers.
The workshop aimed to foster discussions on integrating community-led housing models into Nepal’s housing policies, sharing successful practices from Nepal and beyond. It also sought to address challenges, identify policy gaps, and strengthen partnerships for promoting inclusive, affordable, and sustainable housing.
Key Highlights and Commitments
Government Focus on Housing Rights
Gopal Prasad Sigdel, Secretary of MoUD, emphasized that the right to housing is a constitutional mandate. He highlighted government initiatives, including a nationwide survey to ensure housing for all and ongoing efforts to amend housing-related laws to facilitate better access for low-income communities.
Holistic Approach to Housing
Vinod Regmi, Mayor of Kalika Municipality, stressed the need for employment and income-generating programs alongside housing initiatives. He underscored that housing solutions must empower residents economically to ensure long-term sustainability.
Collaborative Efforts
Machakaji Maharjan, Director General of the Department of Urban Development and Building Construction, called for coordinated efforts among stakeholders. He acknowledged the complexities in implementing housing programs and emphasized streamlined processes to improve efficiency.
Memorandum of Understanding
A significant outcome of the workshop was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between MoUD and Lumanti Support Group for Shelter. This agreement focuses on assisting all levels of government in providing housing for low-income groups, promoting sustainable housing models, and integrating climate change mitigation strategies into housing policies.
Workshop Outcomes
The workshop featured presentations, panel discussions, and community insights on key topics such as land and finance access for housing. Key outcomes include:
Recognition of community-led housing as a practical solution for urban development.
Development of a strategic roadmap for implementing collective housing initiatives across Nepal.
Strengthened collaboration among government agencies, civil society, and communities.
Diverse Participation and Support
Participants included representatives from UN Habitat, Habitat for Humanity, Society of Nepalese Architects (SONA), academic institutions, and community organizations. The event was supported by international organizations such as the Asian Coalition for Housing Rights, UrbaMonde, SELAVIP Foundation, Fondation for Housing for the Disadvantaged People, and MISEREOR.
This workshop serves as a significant step towards advancing inclusive and sustainable housing solutions, ensuring that marginalized communities gain equitable access to safe and affordable housing in Nepal.
