El Ciudadano
Original article: Foro Urbano Mundial concluye con un llamado urgente a replantear todas las políticas de vivienda
World Urban Forum Concludes with Urgent Call to Rethink Housing Policies Globally
Drawing a historic participation of over 57,000 attendees, the 13th edition of the World Urban Forum concluded this year in Baku, Azerbaijan, issuing an «urgent» appeal to rethink how the world accommodates its population.
Furthermore, the gathering unveiled a new roadmap urging governments, cities, and communities to act collectively in response to the ongoing housing crisis affecting billions of people around the globe.
The «Baku Action Call» was crafted from the voices of 176 countries, establishing a shared path forward with the main proposal being to reconceptualize housing as a system that connects homes with land, infrastructure, transportation, services, and economic opportunities, rather than treating construction in isolation.
Additionally, it calls for addressing interconnected pressures including rising costs, real estate speculation, displacement, weak governance, and climate impacts through integrated and people-centered solutions.
Another key aspect highlighted in this «call to action» is the recognition that housing and climate justice are inseparable, as the most vulnerable communities face the highest exposure to flooding, extreme heat, and environmental risks.
As a result, the Forum emphasizes the necessity of expanding climate-resilient housing through nature-based solutions, rehabilitation, upgrading informal settlements, and enhancing disaster preparedness.
«There is no path to achieve the 2030 Agenda without sustainable urbanization and adequate housing,» asserted UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed during the closing ceremony of the Forum, which began on Sunday, May 17.
«The task now,» Mohammed declared, «is to build inclusive, resilient cities that can provide safe housing and opportunities for all, ensuring that no one is left behind.»
«Adequate housing leads to access to clean water and sanitation. Energy to cook a meal or heat and light a room. It is about affordability. Security. Tenure security,» the UN representative emphasized, stating that «home is where dignity begins».
The 2026 edition of the World Urban Forum has become the largest on record, organized by UN-Habitat in collaboration with the Government of Azerbaijan, bringing together over 57,000 participants from 176 countries, including 11 heads of state, 88 ministers, and 130 mayors.
Throughout the week-long event, 579 activities were held, while the largest Urban Expo in the Forum’s history attracted over 74,000 visitors, with approximately 865 journalists covering the event (see report here). The next session of the Forum will take place in Mexico in 2028.
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