Ashgabat: The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) has announced plans to establish a new programme or project office in Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan. This development was disclosed by Erfan Ali, UN-Habitat Regional Director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, during a conference held as part of the 13th World Urban Forum (WUF13), as reported by APA.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, UN-Habitat's current operations span 25 countries, including regions in Eastern and Southern Europe, the Western Balkans, Trkiye, Russia, the Caucasus, and Central Asia. The organization's regional office is situated in Istanbul, with existing country programmes in Kyiv, Moscow, Kosovo, and Baku.

Erfan Ali highlighted the challenges of rapid urbanization and climate change affecting the region. He referenced the significant earthquake in Trkiye two years ago, underlining the region's susceptibility to natural disasters.

The UN-Habitat representative emphasized the organization's commitment to enhancing urban governance, fostering collaboration with local governments, implementing affordable housing policies, advancing climate action, and developing sustainable infrastructure.

Reports indicate that urban housing profiles are being developed in Moldova, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan, along with ongoing work on housing policy strategies. Furthermore, UN-Habitat is collaborating with the government and the European Commission to improve housing legislation in Ukraine.