BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 21. Countries should
allocate more funds to the World Bank, former Serbian member of the
Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, former Minister of Foreign
Affairs of this country, former Prime Minister of the Republic of
Serbia, member of the Nizami Ganjavi International Center, Mladen
Ivanić, said at an event titled "Advancing Housing Policy Through
Multilateralism: From Global Commitments to Local Impact" within
the framework of WUF13 in Baku, Trend
reports.


According to him, the World Bank plays an important financial
support role in development and housing provision.


He noted that Bosnia and Herzegovina was one of the countries
that suffered heavy destruction as a result of the war, and the
main reason for the problems faced in the field of housing
provision was precisely the destruction caused by the war.


"Without the support of multilateral institutions after the war,
it would not have been possible to provide our citizens with
housing. Not only UN agencies, but also numerous international
non-governmental organizations played an important role in this
process. Especially in the first years after the war, thousands of
NGOs operated in the country and contributed to the reconstruction
work," he emphasized.


Ivanić pointed out that the role of international financial
institutions was decisive in the reconstruction of the country and
the restoration of the housing stock.


"These processes would not have been possible without the
support of the World Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and
Development, and the European Investment Bank. As a result of the
war, about 40% of the housing stock in the country was destroyed or
seriously damaged. Almost one in two houses was either completely
destroyed or severely damaged," he explained.


According to him, multilateral institutions not only provided
financial and technical support, but also influenced the correct
determination of priorities by local authorities.


"Local politicians could sometimes prefer to redirect resources
in other directions. However, as a result of the demand and
pressure from international institutions, housing provision became
one of the main priorities. This allowed people to return to normal
life," he added.


Ivanić also said that, contrary to some opinions, he did not
share the view that multilateral institutions were in a state of
crisis.


"Some political institutions may face certain difficulties.
However, specialized multilateral institutions continue to operate
effectively.


"It's difficult to imagine a world without UNESCO or the World
Health Organization. The same approach applies to international
institutions working in the field of housing and development," he
stressed.


The member of the Nizami Ganjavi International Center finally
called on the international community to support the strengthening
of the financial capabilities of institutions such as the World
Bank.







"Countries should allocate more funds to the World Bank. Because
this institution is one of the most important financial
institutions in achieving development goals, including housing,"
Ivanić concluded.


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.