Over the past decade, the Chair has pioneered social and research initiatives that have had a significant impact on public policies and improved access to decent housing

The UNESCO Housing Chair of the URV is celebrating its tenth anniversary as a leading international research unit in the study and promotion of the right to housing. The Chair has led many academic, social and research initiatives and achieved several remarkable milestones over the years that have improved public policies and access to decent housing.

The Chair is the first and only one of its kind worldwide, and is a partner of the United Nations and its New Urban Agenda. It has been home to several interdisciplinary researchers over the years and has collaborated with twelve public and private partners. The Chair has contributed to the development of six housing laws, advised public and private entities and participated in 31 competitive national and international research projects. With a team of 18 researchers, it has trained more than 10,000 professionals on the topic of housing. Since 2013, its researchers have published 200 papers in 15 countries and delivered 356 lectures in 32 different countries.

Extension to UNESCO Agreement

In 2024, the Chair secured renewed recognition from UNESCO, which has extended its agreement until 31 December 2028. This will ensure its continuity and recognises its excellence as a research and innovation platform. Dr Philippa Hughes from the University of Liverpool (UK) has joined the Chair as a European Marie Curie postdoctoral fellow (MSCA CollabHOME). This Fellowship was the only grant awarded to the URV in 2024, earning an exceptional 98% rating, well above the required threshold. Dr Hughes’ collaboration with the Chair further strengthens the international and interdisciplinary scope of its housing research.

Sergio Nasarre, founder of the Chair, has been appointed Distinguished Professor by the URV. This distinction recognises his outstanding academic, teaching and research career. This award was given in 2024 and showcases Professor Nassarre’s global impact and leadership regarding the right to housing.

The Chair has expanded its international collaborations by joining the UNESCO Chairs group on Social Inclusion in Cities, led by the UNESCO Chair in Urban Landscape at the University of Montreal. It has also co-directed a special issue on social inclusion in cities and participated in the UNESCO Chairs Conference of Catalonia, held in Girona on 18 November 2024.

In addition, the Chair has become a hub for global debate by holding the 7th International Research Forum on Multi-owned Properties (IFMOP), in Tarragona from 15 to 27 May 2024. The event brought 36 speakers from eleven countries and five continents to the Centre Tarraconense El Seminari. The participants discussed issues related to horizontal property and other models of community living.

Finally, the 2023-2024 period saw the Chair set a record for its media impact, with nearly 200 appearances in local, national, and international media outlets and an audience of over 58 million people.

New Deputy Director

During its annual meeting, the UNESCO Housing Chair announced a change in its deputy directorship. As of this year, Núria Lambea, who has held the position since 2023, will pass on the role to Gemma Caballé. A founding member of the Chair, Gemma Caballé has a strong background in interdisciplinary research and is recognised for her expertise and experience in the housing sector.