BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 18. The issue of housing
must be at the center of the global urban agenda, as it is the
foundation of human dignity, social harmony, and sustainable
development, the Mayor of the Turkish province of Konya, Ugur
Ibrahim Altay said during the joint closing of the assemblies
within the framework of the 13th session of the World Urban Forum
(WUF13), Trend
reports.
"Today, we act with a common understanding that the future of
our cities and regions depends on our ability to put people, human
dignity, and justice at the center of the global urban agenda," he
emphasized.
Altay noted that the forum in Baku brought together not only
mayors and regional leaders, but also representatives of national
governments, academia, and civil society.
"We see the World Urban Forum as a renewed platform for
multilateral cooperation," he said.
According to the mayor, decent housing is a human rights
priority. Housing should be viewed not only as an economic asset,
but also as a social and ecological function that directly affects
people's daily lives.
He emphasized the importance of coordination between levels of
government and the strengthening of local self-government through
the provision of powers, financing, and institutional
recognition.
"Cooperation between local authorities serves as an instrument
for transformation, exchange of experience, and dissemination of
effective solutions," Altay added.
