The World Urban Forum in Baku: A Call to Action for Housing and Urban Resilience
The World Urban Forum (WUF) in Baku, Azerbaijan, is a critical gathering of global leaders, policymakers, and experts to address the pressing challenges of urbanization and housing. As the world grapples with a housing crisis and intensifying climate shocks, the forum serves as a beacon of hope and a call to action. In my opinion, the WUF is not just about discussing the issues; it's about finding innovative solutions and fostering collaboration to create more resilient and sustainable cities.
The Global Housing Crisis: A Growing Concern
The housing crisis is a complex and multifaceted issue. According to the UN, nearly 2.8 billion people live in inadequate housing conditions, and over 300 million have no home at all. This crisis is not limited to the Global South; it is now being felt in the Global North as well. The rising cost of living, exacerbated by international crises such as the war in the Middle East and its impact on global supply chains, has made housing affordability a major concern. Personally, I think this crisis is a stark reminder of the interconnectedness of our world and the need for global cooperation.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the impact of the housing crisis on various aspects of life. Housing is not just about bricks and mortar; it is a cornerstone of human dignity, urban resilience, and global stability. The effects ripple across healthcare, education, economies, and social structures. This raises a deeper question: how can we address the housing crisis while also building more sustainable and resilient cities?
Informal Settlements: A Challenge and an Opportunity
One of the central themes of the WUF is the rapid growth of informal settlements, or unplanned areas where residents lack legal claims to land and live in precarious housing. Today, around 1.1 billion people live in slums, and projections suggest that this figure could rise by another two billion in the coming decades. Children are especially vulnerable, with an estimated 350 to 500 million living in slum conditions. However, UN-Habitat is calling for a shift in perspective, viewing informal settlements not just as a problem but as a solution for millions of people seeking shelter in cities.
In my view, this perspective is crucial. Informal settlements can be seen as a challenge, but they also present an opportunity to develop innovative and context-specific solutions. By involving the community and understanding their needs, we can create more inclusive and sustainable urban environments. This raises a deeper question: how can we leverage the strengths of informal settlements to build more resilient and equitable cities?
Rebuilding after Conflict: A Complex Task
Another critical issue is how cities recover after war and disaster. By the end of 2022, over 123 million people had been forcibly displaced worldwide, with over 60% seeking refuge in urban areas. Losing a home is about far more than losing a roof; it can mean the rupture of communities, the loss of livelihoods, and a deep sense of insecurity. In Baku, the focus will not only be on providing shelter but on rebuilding lives, from restoring neighborhoods and creating jobs to helping communities find a path back to normality.
From my perspective, this aspect of the WUF is particularly important. Rebuilding after conflict requires a holistic approach that addresses the physical, social, and economic dimensions of recovery. It also highlights the need for inclusive and sustainable practices that promote resilience and equity. This raises a deeper question: how can we create more resilient and equitable cities that can better withstand the impacts of conflict and disaster?
Climate Shocks and the Housing Crisis: A Looming Threat
Climate change is fast becoming a key driver of the global housing crisis. Extreme weather events, such as floods, storms, and wildfires, have displaced more than 20 million people in 2023 alone. Estimates suggest that climate change could destroy 167 million homes worldwide by 2040. At the same time, buildings themselves remain one of the largest sources of emissions, with the construction sector accounting for 34% of global energy-related CO2 emissions.
In my opinion, this raises a critical question: how can we build more housing while also avoiding a worsening of the climate crisis? The WUF will seek answers to this question, exploring housing from various perspectives, including informality, finance, sustainability, and resilience. This highlights the need for a holistic approach that considers the environmental, social, and economic impacts of housing development.
Collective Action: The Way Forward
A central theme running through the WUF is the need for collective action, bringing together governments, local authorities, universities, and grassroots communities. The World Urban Forum is a unique platform to foster collaboration and innovation, and I hope to see a strong and diverse community gathered in Baku. By working together, we can address the housing crisis and create more sustainable and resilient cities.
In my view, the WUF is not just about discussing the issues; it's about finding solutions and taking action. The forum provides an opportunity to share knowledge, build partnerships, and develop innovative approaches to urbanization and housing. This raises a deeper question: how can we leverage the power of collective action to create a more sustainable and equitable future for all?
The New Urban Agenda: A Political Milestone
The WUF in Baku also marks an important political milestone, as it is the tenth anniversary of the New Urban Agenda adopted in 2016. The UN General Assembly in New York City will conduct a midterm review of the Agenda, and discussions in Baku are expected to help determine how far the world has progressed in creating more sustainable, safe, and affordable cities. This highlights the need for continued commitment and collaboration to achieve the goals of the New Urban Agenda.
In my opinion, the WUF is a crucial step in the right direction. It provides an opportunity to reflect on the progress made and identify the challenges that remain. By working together, we can build on the successes and learn from the failures, creating a more sustainable and equitable future for all.
Conclusion: A Call to Action for a Sustainable Future
The World Urban Forum in Baku is a call to action for housing and urban resilience. It is a platform for global leaders, policymakers, and experts to come together, share knowledge, and develop innovative solutions. By addressing the housing crisis and creating more sustainable and resilient cities, we can build a better future for all. In my opinion, the WUF is not just about discussing the issues; it's about finding solutions and taking action to create a more sustainable and equitable world.
