Connecting Local Action to Global Change: Reflections from HLPF 2026 — Eugenia Lapania
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 10 hours ago
My experience at the United Nations High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) was extraordinary. It was an incredible opportunity to represent the Mary Ward Centre and Crisis in Our City by presenting the policy research I completed on housing justice in Canada. Throughout the week, I presented the research during two UN side events, where I had the chance to speak with NGOs, civil society organizations, government representatives, and people from around the world who are working toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Before attending HLPF, I understood the importance of advocacy, but experiencing it in an international setting gave me a completely new perspective. It was inspiring to meet people who have dedicated their lives to addressing issues like poverty, gender inequality, climate change, education, and housing. Although everyone came from different countries and backgrounds, there was a shared belief that change is possible when people work together. Hearing about the challenges communities face around the world also reminded me that many of the issues we experience in Canada are connected to larger global conversations.
Presenting my research was definitely one of the highlights of the week. It was exciting to share the work that began through Crisis in Our City with an international audience and to see that people were interested in learning about Canada’s housing crisis. It also reminded me that local advocacy has a place on the global stage. While my research focused on housing in Canada, many people I spoke with could relate to similar challenges in their own countries. Those conversations reinforced that access to affordable housing is an issue that affects communities across the world.
High-Level Political Forum (HLPF 2026) Report presentation High-Level Political Forum (HLPF 2026) Report presentation
One of my biggest takeaways from this experience is that housing justice in Canada requires all three levels of government to work together. Community organizations and NGOs play an essential role by advocating for change and providing immediate support to people experiencing homelessness, but they cannot solve the crisis on their own. Municipal governments manage many frontline services, provinces oversee housing and social services, and the federal government can make long-term investments and create national policies. After spending the week discussing housing with advocates and policymakers, I came away with an even greater appreciation for how important collaboration is in creating lasting solutions.
I also had the opportunity to meet Sarah Limbombe from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) and talk about Canadian housing policy. It was really interesting to discuss the issues I had been researching with someone working at the federal level. Our conversation helped me better understand how policy decisions are made and reminded me that advocacy and research can play an important role in influencing those conversations. It was encouraging to see government representatives engaging with civil society and listening to different perspectives.
One thing that stood out to me throughout the week was how much space was given to civil society organizations. Some of my favourite sessions were those where community organizations shared the experiences of the people they work with every day. It reminded me that the people closest to these issues often have the clearest understanding of what needs to change. While governments are responsible for creating policy, NGOs and grassroots organizations are often the ones listening to communities, identifying problems, and advocating for solutions. Seeing those voices represented at the United Nations gave me hope that international spaces can create opportunities for real dialogue between policymakers and the communities they serve.
Attending different side events also helped me better understand how interconnected the SDGs really are. Throughout the week, I saw how closely housing issues are connected to health, education, gender equality, employment, and poverty. It became clear that progress in one area depends on progress in many others. That perspective has changed the way I think about policy and has encouraged me to approach social issues with a broader, more collaborative mindset.
On a personal level, this experience gave me much more confidence in myself. Presenting my work at the United Nations was something I never imagined I would have the opportunity to do so early in my career. I was nervous at first, but after speaking with people who were genuinely interested in our research, I realized that everyone’s perspective has value. It reminded me that meaningful advocacy is not about having all the answers but about being willing to listen, learn, and contribute to the conversation. This experience also strengthened my confidence in my ability to conduct policy research and communicate it in ways that can help inform discussions and inspire action.
Above all, my time at the United Nations reaffirmed my passion for social justice advocacy. It reminded me that lasting change often begins in communities, with people who are willing to speak up for others and work together toward a common goal. Watching NGOs, community leaders, and advocates share their experiences reinforced my belief that change happens from the ground up. International institutions like the United Nations provide an important space for those voices to be heard, but the work itself starts in local communities.
I am incredibly grateful to the Mary Ward Centre, Crisis in Our City, and the IBVM Loreto Generalate for making this experience possible. Being able to share our work on an international stage was an honour, and I learned so much from every person I met throughout the week. I left New York feeling inspired, motivated, and even more committed to working toward housing justice and social change. This experience reminded me why advocacy matters and reinforced my belief that, while the challenges we face can feel overwhelming, meaningful change is possible when communities, organizations, and governments work together.
You can read my policy brief evaluating Canada’s progress toward SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) here.
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