UN chief says global urban forum should turn housing rights into action

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has said he hopes the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13), being held in Baku, will act as a catalyst for turning the human right to housing into concrete action rather than remaining a declarative principle.

Guterres made the remarks while addressing participants at the official opening ceremony of WUF13, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

“You are gathering in Baku amidst mounting global crises, including conflicts, rising energy costs, and the prospect of rising food prices. Today’s agenda focuses on the issue we talk about least – the global housing crisis,” he said.

According to him, nearly 3 billion people worldwide live in inadequate housing conditions, often in informal settlements and slums.

“No society is immune from this-from rapidly growing cities in developing countries to developed economies with high rents and growing homelessness. <...> Housing is a human right and the foundation of human dignity. Let this World Urban Forum be a catalyst for turning this right into a reality. Together, we can provide housing for the entire world, leaving no one behind,” he added.

By Vafa Guliyeva