The most sustainable way to solve the housing problem in cities is a community-based approach where residents themselves lead the process.
Modern.az reports that Somsuk Bunyabança, a representative of the Asian Coalition for Housing Rights (ACHR) of Thailand, said this during his speech at the panel session titled "Transformation of informal settlements and slums: housing for the world" within the 13th session of the World Urban Planning Forum held in Baku.
He stated that nearly half a century of experience has shown that low-income communities are capable of playing an active role in solving housing problems and creating change.
According to the representative, several key factors are important for the success of this process:
"These include a demand-driven and community-based approach, urban planning covering all settlements, cooperation between government, experts and communities, accessible financial mechanisms, as well as treating housing not only as a building, but as a means of community development," he emphasized.
S. Bunyabança also added that people facing problems taking a key role in the solution process can turn every difficulty into new opportunities.
