BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 21. Housing policy should
be viewed as a key element of sustainable urban development and
social resilience, Aziza Akhmush, head of division at the
Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), made
the remarks during an event titled “Does the Housing Construction
of the Future Meet Today’s Sustainable Development Goals? How
Localization Strategies Help Us Get Back on Track,” held within the
framework of WUF13, Trend reports.


According to her, the OECD has been working with member states
for nearly two decades to improve housing policy and promote the
localization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).


Akhmush stressed that the effective implementation of housing
policy requires a so-called “territorial approach,” under which
decisions are made based on local characteristics, population
needs, and the involvement of regional and municipal
authorities.


“Cities today not only implement decisions but also shape the
market. Through urban zoning, land policy, and infrastructure
planning, they determine housing affordability and the level of
social inclusion,” she said.


The OECD representative noted that housing issues are directly
linked to the economy, environment, healthcare, education, and
social stability. According to her, fewer than 20% of cities
currently meet SDG 11 targets related to sustainable cities and
communities, while housing costs have risen significantly in many
countries.


Akhmush said the issue is not only the quantity of housing being
built, but also its quality, affordability, and suitability for the
population’s needs.


“It is not enough to simply build more housing. It is important
to understand what is being built, where it is being built, and for
whom,” she stressed.


She cited examples from France and Sweden, where housing
modernization programs and the integration of transport and social
infrastructure have helped improve quality of life and reduce
emissions.


According to Akhmush, climate risks and demographic changes are
becoming increasingly important under current conditions.


She noted that around 40% of energy-related CO2 emissions are
linked to buildings, with the figure reaching as high as 70% in
some megacities.


“It is impossible to achieve climate neutrality without
developing a low-carbon housing sector,” the OECD representative
said.


Akhmush also highlighted the need to adapt urban policy to aging
populations, changing household structures, and population growth
or decline in different cities.







In conclusion, she emphasized the importance of national urban
strategies developed jointly with local authorities, international
organizations, and the private sector.


In the mean time, today marks the fifth day of WUF13 in
Baku.


The first day included a ministerial meeting dedicated to the
New Urban Agenda, a ministerial roundtable, assemblies for women
and civil society, business sessions, and discussions on urban
prosperity. An official ceremony marking the raising of the UN and
Azerbaijani flags also took place.


The second day stood out for the inaugural Leaders' Summit,
featuring high-level discussions on the global housing crisis,
urbanization policy, and urban resilience. Concurrently, the
opening of the Mexico City pavilion took place, serving as a
significant platform for expanding cooperation with the Latin
American region and preparing for WUF14.


The third day of WUF13 featured a comprehensive program of
events covering the global housing crisis, the formation of safe
and inclusive cities, climate resilience, artificial intelligence
and urban governance, green urbanization, social equity, and
sustainable transport.


One of the highlights of the third day was the signing of a
sister-city memorandum between the Azerbaijani city of Shusha and
the Turkish city of Trabzon.


The fourth day of WUF13 featured a broad program of events
dedicated to urbanization, climate change, inclusive urban
development, housing policy, and sustainable governance.


One of the important events of the UN Special Programme for the
Economies of Central Asia (SPECA) Cities Forum, held on the fourth
day, was the announcement of Almaty’s official accession to the
“Declaration of Intent on the Establishment of the SPECA Smart
Climate-Resilient Cities Forum.”


Also, for the first time in WUF history and at Azerbaijan’s
initiative, the “WUF13 NGO Forum: Global Partnership and
Decision-Making” was held.


WUF13, which has attracted more than 40,000 registered
participants from 182 countries, will continue until May 22. Held
under the theme “Housing the world: Safe and resilient cities and
communities,” the forum brings together governments, international
organizations, experts, and representatives of civil society to
strengthen global cooperation in the field of sustainable urban
development.