Azerbaijan highlights housing as economic and climate challenge at WUF13 in Baku

Housing should be viewed not only as a social issue, but also as a broader economic and climate-related challenge, according to a senior Azerbaijani official.

The statement was made by Anar Guliyev during a ministerial meeting on the New Urban Agenda, held within the framework of the World Urban Forum 13 in Baku, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

Guliyev emphasised the symbolic importance of Baku hosting the global forum, noting that the city, where ancient history meets modern urban development, has become an international platform for discussions on sustainable cities.

He also pointed out that this year’s forum coincides with the 10th anniversary of the adoption of the New Urban Agenda and represents a midpoint in its 20-year implementation cycle.

“WUF13 is not merely a reporting event but a strategic opportunity for a new phase of action,” Guliyev said, highlighting the growing importance of coordinated international efforts amid rapid urbanisation, housing shortages, climate risks, and post-conflict reconstruction.

He noted that the main theme of WUF13 — “Housing the world: Safe and resilient cities and communities” — places housing at the centre of global urban policy discussions, stressing that access to adequate housing directly affects livelihoods, education, healthcare, and human dignity.

“Housing shapes people's access to opportunities, education, healthcare, and livelihoods. This issue is directly linked to human dignity,” he stressed.

According to him, the New Urban Agenda, adopted in 2016, set out a shared global vision based on inclusiveness, resilience, prosperity, and environmental sustainability.