Currently, more than one billion people worldwide lack access to clean water, highlighting a critical global challenge in urban development and climate resilience.
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).
According to the Executive Director, the risks posed by climate change are making issues related to housing and urban planning policy increasingly urgent. She specifically highlighted the recent weather conditions in Azerbaijan as a case study for effective management.
"Azerbaijan demonstrated an operative response and readiness against extreme weather events during the intense rains a few days ago. The precipitation was above the norm. Nevertheless, we witnessed how the host country managed the situation. Currently, millions of people around the world are deprived of access to not only water but also basic services such as electricity," she emphasized.
The Executive Director of UN-Habitat further stated that these issues will be reflected in the interim review of the "New Urban Agenda." She noted that the international community has not yet achieved the desired results in solving problems related to informal settlements, and existing challenges are becoming increasingly profound.
The World Urban Forum, established by the United Nations in 2001, 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's active participation and its hosting of major international summits, such as COP29, underscore the country's commitment to the global climate agenda and sustainable urban development goals.
