Baku: The global housing crisis is intensifying, posing a significant threat to the sustainable development of urban centers worldwide, according to Anacl¡udia Rossbach, Executive Director of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat). Rossbach highlighted these concerns during the presentation ceremony of the World Cities Report 2026, which took place as part of WUF13.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, Rossbach emphasized the need for each nation to craft tailored strategies that align with their distinct economic conditions and urban planning frameworks. The housing crisis has rendered homeownership and renting unaffordable for many, impacting young people and urban populations significantly. She pointed out that individuals residing in informal settlements are particularly vulnerable to natural disasters, often losing their homes in such events. This pressing issue of informality is addressed in the World Cities Report for 2026, underscoring the urgent need for responsive measures to tackle the ongoing housing crisis.