BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 18. One-quarter of the
world’s population is expected to live in Africa by 2050, making
housing and urban development one of the continent’s most urgent
priorities, said Kenyan President William Samoei Ruto, Trend reports.


Speaking at the Leaders Summit held within the framework of the
13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku, Ruto said
Africa will play a defining role in shaping the future of global
urbanization.


“If there is one place where the housing issue is both critical
and urgent, it is our continent,” he said. “By 2050, 25% of the
world’s population will live in Africa, and 70% of that population
will live in urban centers.”


Ruto said housing policy is becoming one of the key pillars
determining what the future world will look like, adding that
discussions held at WUF13 are therefore of major importance.


The Kenyan president also called for reforms to the
international financial system, arguing that African countries face
unfair financing conditions despite having the greatest need for
concessional funding.


“The paradox is that countries that most need affordable
financing pay more in international markets than countries that do
not need it,” Ruto said. “This situation must change.”


He said African nations support reform of the global financial
architecture to better reflect modern realities and development
needs.


Ruto also criticized the lack of African representation on the
United Nations Security Council, despite Africa accounting for 55
U.N. member states and a large share of the council’s agenda.


“About 60% of the U.N. Security Council’s agenda concerns
Africa, yet the continent is not represented in its highest
decision-making body,” he said.


Ruto stressed that reforms are necessary to make the United
Nations, particularly the Security Council, more representative and
democratic.


“Only in this way can we solve today’s challenges and define how
to build a better future,” he said, adding that forums such as
WUF13 provide an opportunity to shape more livable, sustainable and
inclusive cities for future generations.