BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 27. The Thirteenth
Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) has several key messages,
Director of the Global Knowledge and Advocacy Division of the
United Nations Human Settlements Program (UN-Habitat), Edlam
Yemeru, said at a press conference dedicated to the preparation
process for the WUF13 in Baku today, Trend reports.
She noted that the messages include:
* Ending the global housing crisis and ensuring adequate and
affordable housing for all;
* Accelerating the transformation of informal settlements, where
1.1 billion people live, because if this does not happen, the risks
and losses will increase;
* Stressing the urgency of the housing issue – three billion
people cannot wait;
* Highlighting that housing is the foundation of all aspects of
human development and sustainable development.
The official explained that the current year is of particular
importance in terms of global urban development, as the world is
currently facing a serious housing crisis.
According to her, today, about three billion people in the world
don't have adequate housing.
"As many as 1.1 billion people live in difficult and dangerous
conditions in informal settlements and slums. More than 300 million
people are homeless. This clearly shows the scale of the crisis,
and this issue will be the main focus of the Forum.
In addition, at a conference held in Quito, the capital of
Ecuador, in 2016, countries of the world adopted the New Urban
Agenda on promoting sustainable urbanization. In 2026, 10 years
will have passed since the adoption of that document. It's time to
assess the work already done, identify gaps, and set priorities for
the next decade."
The official emphasized that this year, the UN General Assembly
is also planning to review the 10-year implementation of the New
Urban Agenda.
"At the same time, the implementation status of the Sustainable
Development Goals, in particular Sustainable Development Goal 11,
will be assessed.
In the coming period, the main focus will be on the provision of
adequate and affordable housing, as well as strengthening
cooperation with all stakeholders.
The main thematic direction of the forum is the concept of
housing and home. Home is of fundamental importance to every
person. We all understand what home means and can imagine the
difficulties caused by not having adequate housing. The forum will
hold global discussions around this very question.
Home is the foundation of health, education, and opportunities.
Home means security and stability. Home is the foundation of the
well-being of both current and future generations. Better housing
means a better world. It will be impossible to achieve the
Sustainable Development Goals and the 2030 Agenda without solving
the housing crisis.
The forum will also discuss the connection of the housing issue
with other global challenges: issues such as climate change,
conflicts, poverty, inequality, natural disasters, economic growth,
trade, and industrialization are directly related to housing.
Housing creates opportunities in these areas, but also poses
serious risks if not addressed in a timely manner.
The World Urban Forum is increasing its importance as one of the
world's main platforms for formulating a comprehensive and
sustainable approach to these global challenges," she added.
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