The recent conference of “Challenges and Opportunities for Cooperatives in Addressing Iran's Housing Crisis” at the Center for Development Research and Foresight brought together experts from various fields to address the critical issue of housing affordability in Iran. The conference highlighted the challenges faced by the Iranian housing market and explored potential solutions, particularly through the lens of cooperative housing models.

Hamid Mohammadi, Director of the Future Studies and New Technologies Group at the Center for Development Research and Foresight, painted a stark picture of the current situation. He noted that the average Iranian household would require 50 years to afford a house, with housing costs consuming nearly 65% of income for lower-income families. Mohammadi urged the government to prioritize increasing housing supply and affordability through targeted policies.

Maskani, Deputy Minister of Cooperation, Labor and Social Welfare, as the second speaker emphasized the potential of cooperatives to address the housing crisis. He argued that cooperatives could deliver housing solutions faster and more affordably than either the government or the private sector. However, Maskani also acknowledged the challenges faced by cooperatives, including limited access to land, financing difficulties, and a lack of experience among some members.

The conference also featured presentations on various other aspects of the housing crisis in Iran. Speakers discussed the importance of data governance, the role of social cohesion in cooperative housing initiatives, and the lessons learned from the development of Tehran's Zone 22, a successful example of public-private cooperation in housing.

This conference served as a platform for open dialogue and exchange of ideas on tackling the complex issue of housing affordability in Iran. While the challenges are significant, the conference participants expressed cautious optimism that collaborative efforts and innovative solutions can pave the way for a more sustainable housing market in the country.