BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 21. A panel discussion
titled “Financing Housing Needs in Cities: New Approaches to Social
and Affordable Housing” is being held within the framework of the
13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13), Trend reports.


Participants are discussing mechanisms for financing social and
affordable housing amid a growing global housing crisis.


The panel focuses on mixed financing models, public-private
partnerships, the introduction of energy-efficient housing
solutions, as well as the improvement of subsidy systems and
mortgage financing. Particular attention is given to creating
sustainable and long-term investment mechanisms to expand access to
affordable housing.


Representatives of the European Bank for Reconstruction and
Development (EBRD), the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB),
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit, and the
C40 Cities Finance Facility are among the speakers, alongside
international experts in urban development and housing policy.


The discussion is expected to result in proposals and
recommendations aimed at expanding access to social and affordable
housing and attracting investment into sustainable urban
development.


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.


Will be updated