Odisha Showcases Affordable Housing Progress at ADB’s Urban Development Forum in Manila

Manila/Bhubaneswar: The Asian Development Bank’s Water and Urban Development Forum (AWUF) 2025, held today at ADB Headquarters in Manila, brought international attention to the growing demand for affordable and inclusive housing in urban areas. The forum served as a vital platform for global experts, policymakers, and institutions to deliberate on sustainable strategies that address the critical need for ‘Housing for All,’ especially for the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) and Lower Income Groups (LIG), who continue to face significant challenges in owning pucca houses due to rising construction and property costs.

The discussions at the forum extended beyond housing to explore how urban development must integrate other essential components such as access to healthcare, education, skill development, and livelihood opportunities. Participants emphasized that improving living standards requires a holistic and coordinated approach to urban transformation.

Experts and representatives from institutions and countries including UN-Habitat, Malaysia, India, and the Netherlands shared innovative practices and experiences drawn from diverse socio-economic contexts. These inputs are expected to shape future urban housing policies and encourage stronger regional and international collaboration.

Debasis Singh, Additional Secretary of the Housing & Urban Development Department, Government of Odisha, represented the state at the global event. In his address, he outlined Odisha’s progress in its journey toward achieving universal housing access. Highlighting the state’s affordable housing initiatives, he discussed Odisha’s commitment to delivering inclusive, resilient urban solutions despite various implementation challenges. He elaborated on the state’s efforts to adopt new models aimed at long-term sustainability, as well as the strategic direction being taken to scale and strengthen housing delivery. Singh reaffirmed the state’s focus on creating equitable and livable cities, particularly for the urban poor, and called for deeper cooperation at national, regional, and city levels. He stressed that partnerships and shared knowledge will be crucial in accelerating the global housing agenda.