Karachi: The Asia-Pacific Shelter and Settlements Forum 2026 commenced today in Karachi, bringing together around 600 international and national participants to discuss climate-resilient housing solutions. The three-day event, held at the Pearl Continental Hotel, aims to advance dialogue and practical solutions under the theme 'Scaling Inclusive, Climate-Resilient Homes and Communities in a Nexus-Driven New Humanitarian World'. Key figures at the event included First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, who delivered the keynote address, and Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, who offered a special address.

According to Pakistan Peoples Party, the forum is a collaborative effort involving various international organizations and development banks, with the Government of Sindh and the Sindh People's Housing for Flood Affectees (SPHF) leading the initiative. The SPHF has gained recognition for its efforts to rebuild 2.1 million homes following the devastating 2022 floods in Sindh, a testament to large-scale recovery and innovation in disaster management.

Ms. Bhutto Zardari emphasized the essential role of shelter as a foundation for health, education, and economic stability. She highlighted the SPHF program as a significant post-disaster initiative, aiming to provide climate-resilient homes and strengthen women's financial inclusion through land title ownership. Her address underscored the need for collaborative efforts to ensure secure housing and resilient communities.

The forum continues to feature multiple sessions aimed at fostering policy and innovation in shelter solutions, culminating with site visits to observe climate-resilient housing projects in Sindh. The event serves as a platform for sharing Sindh's experiences and lessons in disaster recovery with the broader Asia-Pacific region.