Baku: The elimination of slums and the improvement of the urban environment are key priorities, Jeffrey Sachs, Director of the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), said during the panel titled 'The Global Housing Crisis - What's the Plan?' held within the framework of WUF13.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Jeffrey Sachs highlighted that urban population growth in many countries has already reached its peak. In these regions, the focus should shift from constructing new housing to renovating existing housing stock. The main objectives in such nations include eliminating slums, enhancing living conditions, and modernizing the urban environment.

The expert pointed out that the global housing crisis varies across different countries. He predicted that over the next 25 years, the urban population worldwide would increase by approximately 2 billion people, with significant growth occurring in Africa and South Asia.

Sachs also noted that Africa's population is expected to grow from the current 1.4 billion to 2.5 billion by the middle of the century, presenting housing and infrastructure provision as major challenges for the continent. He stressed that housing policies need to account for each country's demographic dynamics, income levels, employment opportunities, and urban planning characteristics.