UN Forum Focuses on Global Housing Crisis

Why this is here: By 2050, over two-thirds of the world’s population will live in urban areas, with nearly 90% of that growth expected in Africa and Asia.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged participants in Baku, Azerbaijan to prioritize housing as central to sustainable development. He spoke at the opening of the 13th session of the World Urban Forum, a gathering drawing a record number of attendees. Guterres noted housing impacts health, education, and opportunity, and is a fundamental human right.

The forum addresses a crisis extending beyond low-income countries, with rising rents and homelessness appearing in advanced economies. President of the UN General Assembly Annalena Baerbock stressed that simply building more houses will not solve the problem, requiring linked investments in infrastructure and community participation.

UN-Habitat estimates 1.5 million people move to cities weekly, with most future growth concentrated in Africa and Asia. Over 30% of urban residents in developing countries currently live in slums lacking basic services. The forum continues through May 22nd, seeking solutions and sharing successful projects from around the world.