The 13th Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) represents a critical opportunity to generate momentum and transform the world into a more sustainable place, according to United Nations officials.
Operative Information Center-OMM reports that Volker Türk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, made these remarks in a video message addressed to the dialogue session titled "Global Housing Crisis: What is the Plan?" held as part of WUF13.
“All states and local authorities must act while respecting human rights. Housing policies should strive for more resilient and inclusive societies. The participation of people in decision-making processes must be ensured, because human rights are not a luxury. People must be protected above all else. As the climate crisis intensifies, we must build infrastructure accordingly. We must also create the necessary financial structures for infrastructure. Political will and the desire to work together can help find solutions for people everywhere,” Türk added.
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, climate change, and policies. The forum serves as a high-level platform for cooperation between governments, NGOs, and urban experts to implement the New Urban Agenda and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.
