Montevideo: Housing policy is not just about building homes, it is an investment in the country's future, said Uruguay's Minister of Housing and Territorial Planning, Tamara Paseyro, during the panel discussion titled 'Environmentally Sustainable and Resilient Settlements' held within the framework of WUF13, APA reports.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the Uruguayan representative highlighted that housing policy is not solely a housing concern but is integral to the social and economic development of the nation. The minister pointed out that housing policy has a direct impact on key sectors such as healthcare, education, security, and social welfare. She stressed the importance of adequate and stable living conditions as a foundation for the successful implementation of other social policies. "People's access to economic and educational opportunities depends on how and where they live," Paseyro noted.

The discussion also covered the significant experiences Uruguay has gained in the field of housing policy. It was highlighted that prioritizing families with children is one of the most effective long-term strategies. Statistics reveal that one-third of children in Uruguay live in multidimensional poverty and encounter severe housing issues.

Paseyro emphasized the importance of the location of housing, arguing that residential areas situated far from workplaces, educational institutions, and transportation networks impose additional financial and time burdens on low-income families. The forum also addressed the development of informal residential neighborhoods, which are seen not only as a result of housing shortages but also as part of local economic activity. The state's objective, she stated, is to integrate these areas into urban planning and the economic system, rather than demolishing them.

The minister concluded by asserting that a successful housing policy requires collaboration between the public and private sectors, alongside the active involvement of local communities.