for developers, solution providers, regulators, and decision-makers on how people-centred development — supported by quality-of-life (QoL) tools and approaches, walkability frameworks, and innovative governance models such as urban labs — can strengthen housing and urban projects’ delivery performance, market value, and long-term sustainability.

Drawing on UN-Habitat’s ongoing technical cooperation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the session demonstrates how these approaches, when combined with applied innovation, test-and-learn methods, and strategic public–private partnerships, help partners identify and manage delivery risks early, strengthen coordination across institutions and project teams, accelerate implementation, and deliver more competitive, resilient, and sustainable housing and urban development outcomes — while responding effectively to evolving regulatory, market, and societal expectations.