Floods, extreme heatwaves, landslides, and other natural disasters pose a severe threat to populations living outside formal infrastructure and basic service networks. These vulnerable communities face disproportionate risks as climate-induced events intensify globally.
Operative Information Center-OMM reports that Anaclaudia Rossbach, Executive Director of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), made these remarks during a session titled "Climate-Housing Nexus: Can we scale up climate-resilient housing without deepening inequality or displacement?" held as part of the 13th Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13).
Rossbach emphasized that communities in informal settlements experience the effects of climate change more severely due to limited access to water, electricity, and other essential services. "In some cases, people live in daily fear of losing their homes and families. The weakening of access to fundamental services such as education, healthcare, and social security further exacerbates the situation. Issues related to informal settlements have become a primary fixture on the global agenda, and there is a need for a more systematic action plan for the next decade," the UN-Habitat Executive Director added.
The session also highlighted the importance of land planning and more compact urban development models in urban policy. Experts noted that unplanned urbanization not only increases climate risks but also leads to higher infrastructure costs. Rossbach noted that a more balanced urban development model could contribute to both ensuring human safety and promoting sustainable economic growth.
The World Urban Forum, established in 2001 by the United Nations, is the premier global conference on sustainable urbanization. It examines the most pressing issues facing the world today, including rapid urbanization and its impact on communities, cities, economies, and climate change. Azerbaijan has recently increased its cooperation with UN-Habitat, hosting the National Urban Forum in Aghdam and Zangilan as part of the large-scale reconstruction efforts in the liberated territories of Garabagh.
