Abu dhabi: Housing is not just a commodity but a fundamental human right, emphasized stakeholders at the conclusion of the 13th Session of the UN World Urban Forum (WUF13). Anacl¡udia Rossbach, Executive Director of UN-Habitat, highlighted this principle during the official closing press conference, underscoring its importance for dignity, inclusion, opportunity, and climate resilience.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, over the past week, a diverse group of leaders, including state and government officials, ministers, mayors, and representatives from civil society, the private sector, and communities, gathered to address the pressing issues facing global housing systems. Rossbach pointed out that these systems are under immense pressure due to rising inequality, speculation, weak governance, rapid urbanization, displacement, and climate-related challenges.

The discussions at WUF13 brought to light the failure of current housing markets to meet people's needs, resulting in billions living in unsafe and unaffordable conditions. The forum called for a renewed focus on prioritizing housing within the global urban agenda to address these challenges effectively.