Global agendas and international commitments gain real significance only when they are transformed into national priorities through legislation, accountability mechanisms, and local implementation. This is where the role of parliamentarians is particularly important.
Modern.az reports that Rania Hedeya, Director of the UN-Habitat Regional Office for Arab States (ROAS), stated this at the Parliamentarians Roundtable within the 13th session of the World Urban Forum held in Baku.
According to her, parliamentarians are not only legislators but also act as a bridge between global goals and the realities of communities:
“They influence the formulation of policies related to land policy, infrastructure, housing finance, property security, urban planning, climate action, and public investments. At the same time, they oversee the implemented measures and ensure that governments are accountable to citizens.”
R. Hedeya also emphasized that the meeting is being held within the framework of the 13th session of the World Urban Forum and has been shaped based on extensive multilateral consultations over recent months:
“More than 2,500 participants have contributed to shaping the debates held in various dialogue sessions and discussions this week. This demonstrates a growing understanding that the housing crisis cannot be solved in isolation. Solving the problem requires coordinated action across all levels of governance and all sectors of society.
Your discussions today are also of great importance in terms of ongoing global policy processes, including the implementation of the European Action Plan, the review of the Sustainable Development Goals planned for this year, and the activities of the Open-ended Intergovernmental Expert Group on adequate housing issues. The ideas and recommendations that will emerge from this roundtable will further strengthen the participation of parliamentarians in global discussions.”
The representative also added that we are currently entering a new strategic plan phase covering the years 2026-2029:
“This plan places special emphasis on partnerships. Those unfamiliar with the plan will also see how much attention is paid here to partnerships, multilateral governance, and the participation of various parties. We consider parliamentarians to be one of the key partners in this process.
We particularly appreciate the important role that parliaments can play in the field of housing finance. Adequate housing provision is not possible without sustainable public investment, a favorable policy environment, and innovative financial approaches that prioritize affordability, inclusivity, and sustainability.”
She noted that it is also understood that it is important to eliminate forced displacements, vulnerability of property security, and discriminatory urban planning practices affecting vulnerable communities:
“Addressing these problems requires strong and inclusive governance, political leadership based on human rights and social justice principles.”
According to her, strengthening cooperation between local governments, local communities, and international institutions can enable more effective steps in the field of housing provision:
“The discussions are expected to contribute to new partnerships in terms of advancing the goal of “housing for all”:
We hope that this discussion will contribute to building stronger cooperation between parliaments, local governments, local communities, and international institutions. I look forward to continuing cooperation in the field of housing provision after WUF13.”
