The World Urban Forum in Baku: A Call to Action for Housing and Resilience
The World Urban Forum, an annual gathering of global leaders, experts, and stakeholders, has opened in Baku, Azerbaijan, with a pressing agenda: addressing the housing crisis and building resilient cities. This year's forum, organized by UN-Habitat, is a critical moment in the global effort to provide safe and affordable housing for all, especially in the face of intensifying climate shocks and urban growth.
The Global Housing Crisis: A Complex Issue
The housing crisis is a multifaceted problem, as Anacláudia Rossbach, head of UN-Habitat, emphasizes. It's not just about the lack of physical homes; it's a crisis of human dignity, urban resilience, and global stability. The UN reports that nearly 2.8 billion people live in inadequate housing, and over 300 million have no home at all. With 70% of the global population expected to live in cities by 2050, the crisis is only expected to worsen.
The rising cost of living, exacerbated by international crises like the Middle East war and supply chain disruptions, has made the situation even more dire. Housing impacts healthcare, education, economies, and social cohesion, straining systems and communities. As Ms. Rossbach notes, the crisis is no longer confined to the Global South; it's a global issue.
Beyond Bricks and Mortar: Housing as a Cornerstone
Francine Pickup, from the UN Development Programme, highlights the importance of viewing housing as a complex, interconnected issue. It's not just about building homes; it's about creating sustainable, resilient urban environments. The forum aims to strengthen partnerships, promoting integrated solutions that address housing, climate resilience, governance, and local financing.
Informal Settlements: Challenges and Opportunities
One of the central themes is the rapid growth of informal settlements, where residents lack legal land claims and live in precarious housing. With 1.1 billion people already living in slums, and projections of another two billion in the coming decades, the situation is dire. Children, in particular, are vulnerable, with estimates of 350-500 million living in slum conditions.
However, UN-Habitat advocates for a shift in perspective. Informal settlements, while challenging, are often the only way millions can secure shelter in cities. The forum aims to explore how to improve these settlements, ensuring they are not seen solely as problems but as potential solutions.
Rebuilding After Conflict: A Complex Task
The forum also addresses the complex issue of city recovery after war and disaster. With over 123 million forcibly displaced people worldwide, and 60% seeking refuge in urban areas, the need for inclusive, resilient, and sustainable rebuilding is urgent. Ms. Rossbach emphasizes the importance of not just providing shelter but also rebuilding communities, restoring neighborhoods, creating jobs, and helping people return to normalcy.
Climate Shocks and Housing: A Critical Intersection
Climate change is a key driver of the housing crisis, with extreme weather events displacing millions. The construction sector, a major source of emissions, needs to be addressed. The forum aims to find solutions that build more housing while mitigating climate impacts. Ms. Rossbach stresses the importance of considering the environmental and social consequences of housing decisions.
Collective Action: A Central Theme
The forum emphasizes the need for collective action, bringing together governments, local authorities, universities, and grassroots communities. UN-Habitat's Ms. Rossbach calls for a diverse, strong coalition to address the housing crisis. She believes that no single entity can solve the problem, and collaboration is essential.
The New Urban Agenda: A Decade On
The Baku forum marks the tenth anniversary of the New Urban Agenda, adopted in 2016. The UN General Assembly's mid-term review in July will assess progress towards sustainable, safe, and affordable cities. The forum provides an opportunity to reflect on the world's progress and set future goals.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
The World Urban Forum in Baku is a critical platform for addressing the housing crisis and building resilient cities. With a focus on collective action, innovative solutions, and a comprehensive approach, the forum aims to drive change. As Ms. Rossbach concludes, the crisis demands urgent action, and the forum is a step towards a more sustainable and equitable future for all.
