The global housing crisis has reached alarming levels, impacting over 3 billion people. According to UN-Habitat, more than 1 billion individuals currently live in slums and informal settlements. Without urgent intervention, this number may triple by 2050. The crisis is particularly severe in Asia and Africa.
World Urban Forum Calls for Action
To address these pressing issues, the World Urban Forum (WUF13) will convene in Baku, Azerbaijan, from May 17 to May 22, 2023. More than 40,000 participants from 182 countries are anticipated to attend this significant event, organized by UN-Habitat. The theme for this year’s forum is “Housing the world: Safe and resilient cities and communities.”
Importance of the Forum
WUF13 is a key platform for discussing urbanization and housing solutions. Anna Soave, Head of UN-Habitat’s Country Office in Azerbaijan, emphasized that the housing crisis is closely linked to urban resilience, socioeconomic prosperity, and overall quality of life. The forum aims to bring together stakeholders, including government officials, urban planners, and civil society, to explore solutions for building safer and more inclusive cities.
Global Housing Crisis Overview
The housing crisis is not just a humanitarian issue but encompasses economic and environmental challenges. UN-Habitat’s data indicates that one in five households worldwide spends over 40% of their income on housing. Since 2010, housing costs have surged, quadrupling across various regions.
- 300 million people are homeless worldwide.
- Over 100 million individuals are displaced due to conflict and climate-related issues.
- The COVID-19 pandemic has further strained housing policies and public health systems.
Baku as a Host City
Azerbaijan’s commitment to urban redevelopment makes it a fitting host for WUF13. The country aims to position itself within the global housing discourse, focusing on sustainable urban development. Dr. Thomas Kovári, an architecture expert, highlighted Baku’s dual challenge of modernizing while preserving cultural heritage.
Additionally, the Karabakh region showcases Azerbaijan’s expertise in sustainable construction, particularly through its “building back better” initiatives in post-conflict settings. Topics relating to these efforts will be highlighted at WUF13.
Discussion Themes and Solutions
This year’s forum will prioritize practical policy discussions on critical issues such as:
- Social housing
- Land rights
- Finance for housing
- Informal settlements
UN-Habitat reports that its programs have assisted over 41 million people in exiting slum-like conditions from 2020 to 2025. The agency advocates for a “twin-track” approach, focusing on both upgrading informal settlements and increasing affordable housing supply.
Future of Urban Development
WUF13 serves as a reminder that creating stable and resilient cities is crucial amid global pressures. With a history dating back to 2001 and previous forums held in cities like Nairobi, Barcelona, and Abu Dhabi, WUF13 is set to be the largest edition to date, reflecting global urgency surrounding housing issues.
