Baku: Francine Pickup, Deputy Director in UNDP's Bureau for Policy and Programme Support, has expressed concern over the deteriorating living conditions in the Middle East, which are affecting millions of people. Speaking at the event titled 'The Middle East Crisis and Its Global Housing and Urban Impacts,' co-organized by UN-Habitat and the Nizami Ganjavi International Center during WUF13, Pickup emphasized the far-reaching socio-economic challenges exacerbated by the ongoing crisis.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, Pickup highlighted that the impacts of such large-scale crises are long-lasting. She noted that even after a ceasefire, the socio-economic repercussions persist for many years. The crisis is creating ripple effects that extend beyond the immediate region, affecting various parts of the world.

Specifically, Pickup pointed out that Iran is one of the countries facing a significant socio-economic decline. The nation has been under continuous economic strain due to sanctions, high inflation, and diminishing purchasing power. The recent military escalations have only worsened the situation, adding further pressure to an already fragile economy.