World Urban Forum opens in Baku as housing crisis and climate shocks intensify

The 13th UN World Urban Forum opened in Baku, Azerbaijan, on Sunday, bringing together world leaders, urban planners, and international organizations to tackle the global housing crisis. Organized by UN-Habitat and the Azerbaijani government, the event addresses inadequate housing for nearly 2.8 billion people, with over 300 million homeless and 70% of the global population expected to live in cities by 2050. The forum’s theme, *Housing the World: Safe and Resilient Cities and Communities*, highlights the crisis as a threat to human dignity, urban stability, and global economies. UN-Habitat Executive Director Anacláudia Rossbach described the situation as worsening in both the Global South and North due to rising living costs and conflicts like the war in the Middle East, which disrupt supply chains. Beyond physical housing, the crisis impacts healthcare, education, and social cohesion. The UN Development Programme (UNDP) aims to promote integrated urban solutions, emphasizing governance, climate resilience, and local financing. Deputy Director Francine Pickup noted that the crisis requires addressing broader urban challenges rather than just construction. Informal settlements, home to 1.1 billion people, are a central focus, with projections suggesting this number could rise by 2 billion. While these areas often lack legal land claims, UN-Habitat advocates for viewing them as opportunities for sustainable development. Children are particularly vulnerable, with 350–500 million living in slum conditions. Conflict and displacement further complicate housing solutions. Over 123 million people were forcibly displaced by the end of 2022, with 60% seeking refuge in cities. The forum will explore rebuilding communities, restoring neighborhoods, and creating jobs to restore stability after displacement. Participants aim to develop actionable strategies to ensure safe, resilient housing for all amid climate shocks, conflicts, and urbanization pressures.