Ecuador participated in the 34th General Assembly of Ministers and Highest Authorities of Housing and Urbanism of Latin America and the Caribbean (MINURVI), held in Barbados. Daniel Elmir, Vice Minister of Sustainable Urban Development and Housing, represented the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport (MIT) at the event. The assembly gathered regional delegations to discuss issues related to housing, urban planning, and resilience.
The central theme was “Financing the Urban Transition: Housing, Climate Change Adaptation, and Resilience.” Elmir emphasized the need for innovative models to ensure access to adequate housing and inclusive cities. During panel discussions, he presented initiatives such as the Tu Casa Miti – Miti program. This program is recognized regionally for its shared financing approach, where the state covers 50% of interest rates on mortgage loans for housing accessed through partner financial institutions.
According to data presented at the assembly, 6,970 families have benefited from this program by obtaining homes. The government contributed $202.7 million out of a total $500 million available for this initiative. These funds come from both the Inter-American Development Bank and CAF development bank.
Elmir also outlined progress in urban regeneration through programs like Comprehensive Neighborhood Improvement (MIB) and projects aimed at creating inclusive zones in Ecuador’s parks that focus on mobility, accessibility, and social cohesion. He discussed governance measures for reliable cities as well as strategies to close institutional gaps and attract investment in sustainable urban projects.
“These actions are part of ensuring that human beings are at the center of urban planning,” said Daniel Elmir. “We are achieving this by linking housing with infrastructure, which allows us to plan more comprehensive and sustainable cities.”
Delegations also visited urban regeneration works, social housing projects, and innovative housing solutions in Barbados during technical sessions. These visits facilitated knowledge exchange about practices that could be adapted elsewhere in Latin America and the Caribbean.
The government stated that these efforts help position Ecuador as a regional leader in housing management and sustainable urban development.
