Chief Minister Shah Advocates for Climate-Resilient Housing Solutions at Asia-Pacific Forum
Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah of Sindh delivered a compelling address at the closing session of the three-day Asia-Pacific Shelter and Settlements Forum (APSSF) 2026 in Karachi, highlighting the urgent need for climate-resilient housing and inclusive urban planning across the region. He emphasized that shelter and human settlements are fundamental to dignity, equity, social stability, and climate resilience, urging stakeholders to adopt proactive measures.
Mounting Pressures in the Asia-Pacific Region
Shah pointed out that the Asia-Pacific region faces significant challenges, including rapid urbanization, housing shortages, climate risks, and environmental stress. He called for the adoption of climate-resilient housing, inclusive planning strategies, enhanced disaster preparedness, and community-driven solutions to address these issues effectively.
Forum Brings Together Global Participants
The APSSF 2026, described as the premier housing platform in the region, attracted nearly 1,200 participants. This included around 100 international delegates, with a total of 600 delegates from 41 countries and 206 organizations. Representatives came from governments, United Nations agencies, financial institutions, academia, civil society, media, and the private sector, fostering solution-oriented discussions.
Sindh's Commitment and SPHF Program
Citing Sindh's firsthand experience with devastating floods, displacement, and urban stress, Shah reaffirmed the province's commitment to resilient housing, particularly for vulnerable communities. He noted that Sindh had previously presented the Sindh People's Housing for Flood Affectees (SPHF) program in the Philippines, which led to the agreement to host APSSF 2026 in Karachi.
The SPHF program has been highlighted as a global benchmark, aiming to construct over 2.1 million climate-resilient homes for more than 15 million people. This initiative is larger than the populations of 154 countries and emphasizes women-centered ownership through land titles registered in women's names. International partners, including the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, and Islamic Development Bank, have praised this beneficiary-driven model.
Key Discussions and Future Actions
Across 26 sessions during the forum, participants engaged in discussions on scaling resilient housing and translating dialogue into measurable action. Planning Minister Jam Khan Shoro stressed the importance of embedding resilience into policy frameworks, financial mechanisms, and institutional structures to ensure sustainable development.
Delegates are scheduled to visit Thatta, Jamshoro, and Hyderabad on February 14 to review the implementation of the SPHF program, providing firsthand insights into its progress and impact.
Forum Conclusion and Highlights
The forum concluded with a recap video showcasing key moments, including the inaugural address by First Lady Aseefa Bhutto-Zardari. She highlighted the critical role of shelter in driving social transformation, underscoring the forum's broader significance beyond housing to encompass societal well-being and equity.
Chief Minister Shah expressed gratitude to international delegates and partners for their collaborative efforts and solution-oriented discussions, reinforcing the importance of global cooperation in tackling housing and climate challenges.
