BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 14. While housing is
often seen as a global problem, its solutions must largely be
addressed at the local level, said Michael Mainelli, Lord Mayor of
London and former Sheriff of the City, Trend reports.


Speaking during a panel discussion on “Global Cooperation in
Housing: Perspectives for the World Urban Forum (WUF13)” at the
13th Global Baku Forum, Mainelli stated that there is no single
global solution that works for all cities.


The official noted that each city faces unique social, economic,
and demographic challenges. He cited London’s own struggles with
housing and school shortages, which are exacerbated by rapid
population growth.


"For instance, London faces both housing and school shortages,
challenges that are intensified by the city’s rapid population
growth. In such cases, strengthening the local economy is
essential, as years of experience show that activating local
economic mechanisms can effectively address these issues.


Establishing a sustainable economic model is particularly
important. When people are provided with opportunities for
well-being, they use them to create more stable and secure living
environments. London is not only a major city but also one of the
oldest hubs of land ownership and urban communities in the world,"
he said.







Mainelli emphasized that urban settlement is a growing and
increasingly complex global phenomenon. No single sector, such as
architect-led projects, can fully solve these challenges.


“It is crucial that different systems operate in parallel. Urban
development is a constantly evolving process; there is no perfect
city, and cities built today will continue to change over time.
Housing is not solely the responsibility of architects or the
private sector. Public-private partnerships must go beyond
financial considerations, leveraging diverse financial mechanisms
to protect property rights and expand access to housing.


Moreover, a comprehensive, systematic approach to infrastructure
yields far more effective results. Poor construction quality or
project delays are sometimes blamed on funding gaps, but
ultimately, the most effective solution lies in strengthening the
local economy,” Mainelli added.


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