Baku: Azerbaijan's proactive approach to housing policy and the urban development projects implemented in Baku are being appreciated by international organizations, Jonathan Reckford, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Habitat for Humanity International, said in a statement to APA-Economics within the framework of the World Urban Forum (WUF13).

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Reckford expressed his admiration for the initiatives he observed during his visit to Baku. "I have just arrived in Baku, but what I have already seen is very remarkable. The projects being implemented here and the country's proactive approach to housing needs are commendable," he noted.

Reckford also praised Azerbaijan's role in hosting the World Urban Forum, highlighting the significance of the event in Baku. "The gathering of representatives from different countries of the world in Baku is an important opportunity to increase attention to both the housing problem and real solutions," he stated.

He emphasized the global nature of the housing crisis, pointing out that nearly all countries face serious challenges related to housing provision. "To solve the housing crisis, the public sector, private sector and civil society must act together. Currently, around 3 billion people in the world live in informal housing conditions. Our goal is to gradually improve the living conditions of these people," Reckford explained.

Furthermore, Reckford stressed the importance of housing as a fundamental aspect of sustainable development. He remarked, "When children live in stable and safe housing, they are healthier, perform better at school and are able to fully realize their potential. When there is no housing, it becomes difficult to solve other problems as well."

Reckford concluded by advocating for collaborative efforts between the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), Habitat for Humanity International, governments, and civil society as the most effective strategy to address housing challenges.