Uppsala: The Common City Conference in Uppsala, Sweden, recently convened scholars, activists, and grassroots organizers to address pressing issues of housing, urban justice, and the right to the city. Kehinde Adegboyega, co-founder of the Human Rights Journalists Network Nigeria (HRJN), was among those who gathered to discuss how communities in cities like Lagos and Cape Town are impacted by forced evictions and urban redevelopment projects. According to Global Voices, the conference highlighted the need for inclusive urban planning processes that engage the residents of cities in decisions that affect their future. Adegboyega presented a panel on Resisting Authoritarian Urbanism in Sub-Saharan Africa, which focused on the experiences of communities in Nigeria and South Africa dealing with displacement and unequal urban development. The session emphasized that the knowledge of these communities, often overlooked in policy debates, is crucial for creating accountability and informed decision-making. Adegboy ega, in an interview, expressed the importance of viewing housing through a human rights lens, recognizing it as integral to dignity, security, and community. The discussions at the conference reinforced the idea that housing is not just a social or economic issue but a fundamental human rights concern, particularly in contexts where urban development prioritizes investment over the needs of low-income communities. The conference also provided a platform for exchanging ideas on community-led documentation and advocacy. Adegboyega noted the significance of using community-generated knowledge as a tool for policy change, highlighting the potential for Nigerian journalists, researchers, and human rights organizations to collaborate with affected communities in documenting housing conditions and advocating for their rights. Adegboyega plans to bring back to Nigeria new approaches to documentation and advocacy, aiming to strengthen the capacity of communities to influence urban development decisions. The insight s and connections gained from the conference are expected to enhance the work of the Human Rights Journalists Network Nigeria in defending housing rights and amplifying marginalized voices. International exchanges like the Common City Conference provide comparative perspectives that can help journalists and civil society organizations in Nigeria ask critical questions about urban development and build stronger evidence for advocacy. Adegboyega emphasized that development should involve meaningful participation from communities, recognizing them as active participants in shaping their cities. The message that emerged from the conference is clear: the inhabitants of cities must have a meaningful say in how those cities evolve. This perspective aims to ensure not only that people have houses but also that they have dignity, security, and a voice in the future of their urban environments.