United Nations Development Programme
Sustainable Development and Affordable Housing in Global Cities
Topic Description
The world’s cities are groaning under unprecedented growth: over half of humanity now lives in urban centers, yet millions remain trapped in informal settlements without clean water, secure tenure, or basic services. Policy makers around the world want to promote sustainable development and affordable housing while safeguarding the rights and livelihoods of the most vulnerable. Informal settlements sprang up on marginal land or in neglected neighborhoods, serving as both vital economic hubs and symbols of stark inequality. Past efforts have often displaced residents, disrupted local industries, or left promised subsidies unused.
The committee must balance competing imperatives. On one side empowering communities to lead their own upgrades by engaging private developers without sacrificing affordability. On the other crafting public housing models that build new housing and put keys in people’s hands. Beyond this, the committee will examine rent controls, inclusionary zoning, and caps on corporate landlords to prevent gentrification. As a decision‐making organ that shapes international action, your resolutions will set the stage for the CPD’s continued involvement int he field. The focus of the committee is on the policies and partnerships you will forge. This is your moment to define how cities can grow equitably and sustainably, ensuring every urban resident’s right to a safe, dignified home.
Luis Pedro Chavez - Director
Luis Pedro Chavez, or LP for short, is from Guatemala City, Guatemala. He is a rising junior at Harvard studying economics and living in Adams House. This year, he is honored to serve as Under‑Secretary‑General for Logistics at HMUN Dubai 2026. As USG for Committees at HNMUN‑LA last year, he developed procedural frameworks and supported committee chairs. He has also directed conferences at HNMUN‑LA, HNMUN, and HMUN in Boston. LP is a dedicated member of HOLA, the Harvard Organization for Latin America, where he organizes cultural get‑togethers and promotes regional scholarship. He is also the Programs Manager for the Harvard Crimson’s Business Board, developing conferences and competitions on various topics. LP feels deeply connected to Model UN’s diplomacy, debate, and substantive excellence. He is excited for the resolution‑making in Dubai, which drives his desire to deliver an engaging, seamless experience for all delegates at HMUN Dubai.