At a time when local crises are increasing, conflicts are escalating, energy costs are rising, and the possibility of food price increases is on the agenda, the main topic of today's discussions is the global housing crisis, a problem we talk about less but which is extremely serious.
Modern.az reports that UN Secretary-General António Guterres stated this via video link at the official opening ceremony of the 13th Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) held in Baku.
He noted that no society is immune to this problem:
“From the rapidly growing cities of developing countries to developed economies with high rental prices and increasing homelessness.”
A. Guterres also emphasized that during his student years, while volunteering in some of Lisbon's poorest neighborhoods, he saw how deeply housing affected people's health, education, and future.
As Secretary-General, I am proud that the “Pact for the Future” and the Doha Political Declaration recognize housing as a priority.
“I also welcome the upcoming 10-year review of the New Urban Agenda. Now is the time to put housing at the center of sustainable development by expanding access to adequate, safe, and affordable housing, transforming informal settlements and slums, and eliminating inequalities that increase social tension.”
The UN official also added that housing is a human right and a fundamental condition for human dignity:
“May this World Urban Forum be on the way to making housing a common reality for all. Together, we can provide housing to the world without leaving anyone behind.”
