The thirteenth session of the World Urban Forum opened on May 17, bringing together stakeholders to discuss how cities can become safer, more resilient and more affordable.
Over the past decade, progress has been made, with about 160 countries adopting or developing national urban policies. More than two-thirds of countries have introduced programmes aimed at improving housing affordability. However, the UN’s Human Settlements Programme said these efforts remain insufficient.
More than 1.1 billion people continue to live in slums or informal settlements worldwide. Over the last 10 years, more than 120 million people have either been born into or moved into such conditions.
Participants at the forum, which concludes on May 22, are exploring solutions, including expanded social housing, upgrading informal settlements and strengthening protection for vulnerable populations. Special attention is being given to countries recovering from conflict.
Bashar Al Sebaai, Mayor of Homs, said the Syrian city urgently requires both expertise and funding to rebuild after years of destruction. Al Sebaai said about 400 000 residents have returned to heavily damaged neighbourhoods, where basic services such as waste management, electricity and infrastructure remain limited.
Climate change is also intensifying housing challenges. Communities living in unsafe conditions are among the most exposed to floods, heatwaves and extreme weather. The construction sector remains a major source of greenhouse gas emissions, placing emphasis on low-carbon building methods and climate-sensitive planning.
Heavy rainfall during the opening day in Baku highlighted growing weather variability, with local authorities taking emergency measures to clear flooded roads. Residents noted that such conditions were previously rare.
The issue of homelessness is affecting both developing and developed economies. Lance Jay Brown, Founder of the Consortium for Sustainable Urbanisation, said rising urban populations have outpaced the availability of affordable housing.
Brown said large numbers of people remain homeless even in wealthy countries such as the United States, highlighting the scale of the global challenge. Brown expressed optimism that discussions in Baku will lead to practical solutions to improve housing access worldwide.
–UN/ChannelAfrica–
