Baku: The year 2026 is not only a year of reporting, but also a year of redefining direction, Executive Director of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), Anacl¡udia Rossbach, said during the ministers' meeting held within the framework of WUF13, APA reports.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Rossbach emphasized that 2026 marks a crucial moment as it signifies ten years since the adoption of the New Urban Agenda at the United Nations Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development in Quito. With the agenda's 20-year implementation period nearing its end, she stressed the importance of evaluating the successes and shortcomings of the past decade and planning for future progress.

Rossbach pointed out that despite some advancements, such as the adoption of national urban policies by around 160 countries and an increase in urban contexts being included in climate policies, the implementation of the New Urban Agenda remains uneven. The Secretary-General's progress report highlights that many commitments have not yet resulted in measurable improvements, particularly in housing, where over one billion people continue to live in slums or informal settlements.

She also noted the growing challenge of homelessness and housing affordability, which affects families worldwide. Rossbach stressed that these issues are not isolated but are shared development challenges that impact access to essential services and increase vulnerability to climate risks.

Rossbach called for a focus on housing as a key driver of sustainable development at the 13th World Urban Forum. She urged for integrated housing policies prioritizing those at risk of being left behind and linking housing with broader infrastructure and services. She also emphasized the need for stronger financial systems and active participation from all sectors to support long-term affordability.

The ministerial meeting, according to Rossbach, serves as an opportunity to assess the first decade of implementation and place housing at the center of urban transformation for the next decade. She called for a renewal of political will to ensure the New Urban Agenda delivers tangible improvements in people's lives.