The Congress “Urban Democracy and the Fundamental Right to Housing in the East Zone of São Paulo” is part of the official programming of Circuito Urbano 2025 and proposes a critical reflection on the challenges of adequate housing in São Paulo, particularly in the East Zone. The event seeks to bring together perspectives from law, architecture, urban planning, and public policy to discuss residency, social participation, and identity in the construction of the city. The opening will feature a 30–40 minute academic debate, presenting articles accepted for publication in the congress proceedings. Following this, Panel 1: “Right to Housing and Urban Democracy” will include Adriana Palheta, who will address urban planning dilemmas, and Fernanda Corrêa, who will discuss popular participation in shaping urban space, moderated by lawyer Rafael Khalil Coltro. Panel 2: “Identity, Culture, and Housing Policy” will bring together Alexandre Salles, discussing belonging and identity in the construction of the right to housing, and Nabil Bonduki, who will present challenges and perspectives of São Paulo’s housing policy, moderated by architect Beatriz Marson Coltro. By gathering leading experts from different disciplines, the congress aims to foster a dialogue between theory, practice, and social participation to rethink the future of the contemporary city.