Frank Okon

Africa and Asia are at the center of the global housing crisis as rapid urbanization, rising inequality, and the growing expansion of slums continue to outpace infrastructure and housing development, the United Nations has warned.

According to UN estimates presented at the 13th session of the World Urban Forum 13 in Baku, nearly 90 per cent of future urban population growth by 2050 will occur in Africa and Asia, while more than 30 per cent of urban residents in developing countries already live in slums and informal settlements lacking adequate infrastructure and basic services.

The warning formed the backdrop to global discussions on housing and sustainable urban development at the forum organized by UN-Habitat in partnership with the Government of Azerbaijan.

In a video address to participants, António Guterres said the worsening housing crisis has become one of the defining global development challenges of the modern era.

“Housing is a human right, and fundamental for human dignity,” Guterres declared, urging governments and stakeholders to make affordable housing a global priority.

He stressed that the crisis now affects both developing and advanced economies, with cities around the world facing rising rents, homelessness, inadequate housing supply, and deepening inequality.

“As Secretary-General, I am proud that the Pact for the Future and the Doha Political Declaration recognize housing as a priority,” he said, referring to recent international agreements aimed at advancing inclusive development and global cooperation.

The World Urban Forum, which has attracted a record number of participants this year, opened officially on Monday following a series of ceremonial activities, including the first-ever World Leaders Summit in the history of the gathering.

UN-Habitat officials described the summit as a major step toward placing housing and urbanisation at the centre of global political discussions.

President of the United Nations General Assembly, Annalena Baerbock, said solving the global housing crisis would require a broader and more integrated approach than simply constructing more buildings.

“Building more houses is necessary, but it will not be enough on its own,” she said.

Baerbock called for stronger connections between housing policies, climate resilience, urban planning, financing, infrastructure, and community participation.

The UN estimates that around 1.5 million people move into cities every week, placing increasing pressure on urban infrastructure and public services.

Participants at the forum are discussing practical solutions to challenges ranging from affordable housing and climate adaptation to access to essential services and effective urban governance.

Azerbaijan and Somalia currently serve as co-chairs of the UN-Habitat Intergovernmental Working Group on the resolution “Adequate Housing for All” for the 2025–2026 term.

Welcoming delegates to the forum, President Ilham Aliyev said hosting the global gathering demonstrated Azerbaijan’s commitment to improving urban planning and quality of life.

Executive Director of UN-Habitat, Anacláudia Rossbach, described attendance at the forum as unprecedented despite severe rainfall and thunderstorms that recently affected parts of Azerbaijan.

Heavy rains forced organizers to relocate several events, including the World Leaders Summit, from the Olympic Stadium to the Baku Congress Center after Baku recorded historic rainfall levels on 17 May.

A major attraction at the event is the largest Urban Expo in the history of the World Urban Forum, featuring more than 217 organizations from 66 countries showcasing innovations in affordable housing, climate resilience, digital technologies, and inclusive urban development.

At the centre of the exhibition is the UN-Habitat Pavilion, themed “Housing the World,” designed around a spiral concept symbolizing the interconnectedness of people, cities, nature, and the planet.

Speaking to UN News, Katerina Bezgachina said the exhibition was designed not only to highlight problems but also to showcase practical solutions from around the world.

“We did not want to show only problems. We wanted to show that there are many solutions,” she said.

The World Urban Forum 13 continues through 22 May with policy sessions, exhibitions, and strategic discussions focused on shaping sustainable cities and improving access to adequate housing worldwide.