Edlam Yemeru: WUF13 will become a platform for discussing the global housing crisis

The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-HABITAT) highly values its partnership with Azerbaijan.

As reported by BAKU.WS with reference to Report, this was stated by UN-HABITAT Director of External Relations, Strategy, Knowledge and Innovation Edlam Yemeru during a press conference dedicated to the preparation of the forum.

According to her, the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13), planned to be held in Baku, is of particular significance under current circumstances.

"The World Urban Forum is a truly global and inclusive platform. It has established itself as one of the most authoritative international conferences in the field of urban development and housing policy," she stated.

Yemeru emphasized that 2026 carries special importance for global urban development. According to her, the global housing crisis has reached a critical level: "Approximately 3 billion people worldwide lack access to adequate housing, of whom 1.1 billion are forced to live in slums and informal settlements under extremely harsh conditions. These challenges will be the central theme of the upcoming forum."

As a reminder, WUF13 will be held in Baku from May 17 to 22.