Baku (Turkey News) A panel discussion on the topic “Housing for Environment-Friendly and Sustainable Urban Development” was held under the 13th session of the United Nations World Urban Forum (WUF13).
According to the report, the panel focused on the relationship between housing and climate action, with special attention given to low-carbon, sustainable housing systems and alignment with global climate goals.
The panel included participation and speeches from Director of the Africa Cities Center Edgar Pieterse, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General on Water Retno Marsudi, Ambassador of France to Azerbaijan Sophie Lagoutte, Minister of Lands, Regional Government and Religious Affairs of Gambia Hamat N.K. Bah, Minister of Public Works, Infrastructure and Water of Tuvalu Ampelosa Manua Tehulu, Minister of Housing of Guyana Colin Croal, and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Environment of Slovakia Tomáš Taraba.
Speakers emphasized that a sustainable city cannot be imagined if human behavior goes against nature. They warned that if current trends continue, the impacts of climate change will become even more severe.
They also urged governments to adopt accessible and socially just housing policies and to develop long-term, sustainable housing programs.
The speakers further stressed that in addition to urban planning, a balanced relationship between humans and nature is essential. It was also stated that without effective and fair land policies, sustainable housing policies cannot be realized, and fair and strategic land use management is a fundamental requirement for sustainable urban development.
