World Habitat Day, which takes place on 7 October 2024, has the theme ‘Engaging youth to create a better urban future’. The event highlights the importance of active youth participation in creating sustainable cities and communities. In a rapidly urbanising world, where it is expected that by 2050 approximately 70% of the world’s population will live in cities, it is essential that new generations are included in urban planning processes and in making decisions that impact their environment.
In Benalmádena, this context is exacerbated by a growing housing crisis. The shortage of available properties to rent and buy directly affects its inhabitants, and rental prices have reached alarming levels. As an example, a 30sq m studio apartment could start at 700 euros per month, while small two-bedroom flats exceed 1,000 euros. This situation has become unsustainable for many families, preventing young people from becoming independent and perpetuating a generation condemned to renting rooms or living in unsatisfactory conditions.
In this framework, the celebration of World Habitat Day becomes an opportunity to reflect on how to involve young people in the solution of these problems. Empowering younger generations to participate in urban planning can be key to developing inclusive and sustainable cities. As cities grow, so does the need to ensure that adequate and sustainable housing is built to meet the needs of the community.
Economic pressure is also being felt by landlords who, faced with rising costs, are forced to raise their rents. This vicious cycle not only affects tenants, who are already struggling to meet their financial responsibilities, but also puts the economic stability of property owners at risk. For example, there are landlords who, paying more than 1,200 euros per month between mortgage and common expenses, rent their flat at 800 euros, reflecting the disproportionate burden faced by both sides of the housing equation.
The long-term solution to this housing crisis lies in building social housing and planning sustainable communities that not only meet the needs of today, but also anticipate those of future generations. Benalmádena must rethink its housing model, incorporating sustainability as a fundamental principle. The creation of independent nuclei with public and private facilities, such as schools, shops and businesses, can help to promote a more balanced and autonomous community life.
It is also essential that local governments adjust the General Urban Development Plan (PGOU) and simplify procedures to facilitate the development of these initiatives. Although progress has been made in recent years, there is still a considerable way to go. Citizen participation, especially of young people, must be a pillar in this process. Using mechanisms such as referendums and using municipal elections to vote on bills can ensure that residents’ voices are heard and that decisions reflect their needs.
World Habitat Day reminds us that we all share responsibility for building a better urban future. Involving young people is not only a matter of social justice, but is essential to ensure sustainable and equitable development that benefits all. In Benalmádena, this means working together to address housing challenges and create an environment where every citizen has access to a decent home in a thriving and sustainable community.
