Permanent housing solutions are obtained via the collaborative work of governments and other entities, which include non-profit organisations. From April 5th until the 15th, TECHO will present and lead a workshop at the 7th World Urban Forum (WUF) to put into context the the experience that we have gained through working in slums across Latin America. The WUF, a biannual event that takes place in different cities across the world, forms part of the Cities Programme of the UN Global Pact.

This year's WUF, to be held in Medellin, is titled "Equality in urban development. Cities for Life" and will place cities in the centre of the debate as to global integration and will promote cities as essential to the creation of most just societies.

During the workshop, which is organised alongside UN Habitat, TECHO will present the progress that the organisation has made in overcoming poverty across the region, during the last 17 years. TECHO will draw on specific case studies from Chile and will also consider how the organisation has adapted it's urban development model to ensure it's relevance to the local contexts of Argentina and Uruguay. TECHO works to strengthen the integration of community needs and opportunities and provide permanent solutions in informal settlements, which enable these communities to integrate themselves into cities and enhance their quality of life.

During the WUF, discussions will focus upon the most pressing issues that face the sustainable development of urban settlements, including issues regarding rapid urban growth and the impact that this will have on cities, communities, economies, climate change and policies. Addressing such questions and drawing upon the experience and participation of national, regional and local governments and non-governmental organisations, conclusions will be reached regarding the direction of the post 2015 agenda.