Today, 3.5 billion people — half of humanity — live in cities, including 828 million people who live in slums. By 2030 an estimated 60% of the world’s population will live in urban areas, with 95% of urban expansion predicted to take place in developing countries. What role will housing finance play in harnessing the investment necessary to build the cities and affordable housing needed by 2030 and beyond?

Sustainable Development Goal #11 is to “ensure access for all people to adequate, safe, and affordable housing.” Is this goal realistic and achievable? How can we make it happen? This year’s Global Housing Finance Conference explores ideas on how to get there by 2030.

World Bank Live will stream the welcoming remarks by Sri Mulyani Indrawati, keynote address by Aisa Kacyira, and first session of this two-day conference, which focuses on “Goal 2030 - Adequate, Safe and Affordable Housing” and what needs to happen to make it a reality.