UN rights chief calls for inclusive housing policies at WUF13

The 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) offers a key opportunity to steer global development toward a more sustainable future, according to UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk.

Speaking at the forum in Baku, Türk said national, regional, and local authorities play a central role in shaping fair and effective housing and urban development policies, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

“When housing policies are built on the principles of equality, solidarity, and fairness, societies become more inclusive, more resilient, and more sustainable. When we focus on the most vulnerable groups and involve them in decision-making that affects them, we strengthen social cohesion,” Türk said.

He stressed that the climate crisis is reshaping urban priorities and called for investment in carbon-neutral housing and infrastructure capable of withstanding extreme weather events.

“Some cities in Denmark, the UK and other countries are already experimenting with new models of public investment,” he noted.

By Sabina Mammadli