Baku: The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) presented its 'World Cities Report 2026' during the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku on Monday. The report sheds light on the increasing global housing crisis, which is exacerbated by factors such as poverty, climate change, displacement, and rapid urbanization. UN-Habitat Executive Director Anacl¡udia Rossbach emphasized that millions of individuals continue to live without access to safe and adequate housing, while 123 million people are currently displaced worldwide.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, UN-Habitat official Benedict Arimah revealed that approximately 3.4 billion people globally are without adequate housing. The report is centered around five critical areas: housing affordability, informal settlements, climate risks and resilience, the impact of climate change, and inclusive urban development.

Speakers from various countries, including Mexico, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Pakistan, and China, highlighted the necessity for stronger legal frameworks, climate-resilient housing policies, inclusive urban planning, and international cooperation to combat the housing crisis.

The event concluded with a question-and-answer session, providing an opportunity for further discussion on tackling the challenges outlined in the report.