BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 18. The time has come to
put housing at the center of sustainable development, United
Nations (UN) Secretary-General António Guterres said during a video
address at the opening ceremony of the 13th session of the World
Urban Forum (WUF13), Trend reports.
"Whether it's in rapidly growing cities in developing countries
or in developed countries facing high rents and rising
homelessness. When I was a student volunteering in the poorest
neighborhoods of Lisbon, I saw how housing conditions profoundly
affect people's health, education, and future.
"I'm proud that the Pact for the Future and the Doha Political
Declaration have recognized housing as a priority. Now is the time
to put housing at the heart of sustainable development.
Inequalities fuel social tensions. The right to housing is a
human right and a fundamental part of human dignity. I hope that
the 13th session of the World Urban Forum will be a catalyst for
making this right a reality for all. Together, we can provide
housing for the world, leaving no one behind," he noted.
WUF13 is taking place in Baku from May 17 through 22 within the
framework of cooperation between the UN-Habitat program and the
Government of Azerbaijan.
The event's program brings together various stakeholders and
representatives of like-minded groups to discuss one of the most
pressing global challenges – the issue of housing provision.
Dedicated to the theme "Housing the World: Safe and Resilient
Cities and Communities," WUF13 gathers national governments from
around the world, as well as communities, professionals, and
partners to exchange views, shape policy approaches, and accelerate
action toward solutions in sustainable urban development.
The program provides an opportunity for high-level discussions
through practical, solution-oriented platforms and interactive
meeting formats, ensuring that global policy is anchored in local
experience.
