BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 14. The world is
falling significantly behind in achieving the United Nations
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with many people still
lacking access to basic living conditions, said Anacláudia
Rossbach, Executive Director of the UN-Habitat program, Trend reports.
Speaking at the 13th Global Baku Forum on “Bridging Divides in a
World in Transition,” Rossbach highlighted that governments face
limitations in addressing housing challenges due to rising
construction and land costs.
“Housing is expensive. Around the world, it is difficult for
states to fund housing programs, especially those requiring
subsidies. Land is costly, particularly in areas with developed
infrastructure,” she said.
She noted that many housing projects built on the city outskirts
have proven ineffective.
“We have seen numerous cases where housing was developed on the
periphery, yet these projects failed, people returned to the cities
where jobs, services, and opportunities are concentrated,” Rossbach
explained.
According to her, current approaches to addressing the housing
crisis remain fragmented and require major reforms.
“Many solutions are scattered and do not reflect real
conditions. Deep transformations are needed,” she said, stressing
that housing should be a political priority.
“We must acknowledge the reality on the ground, incorporate it
into land policy and urban planning, and increase investment
volumes,” Rossbach added.
She emphasized the need for expanded financial resources and
more flexible approaches to urban development.
“Investment must be unlocked and applied more flexibly. We need
to consider existing realities and revise urban planning standards
and the use of available resources,” she concluded.
Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News
Agency's WhatsApp channel
