Ministerial - National Ministerial Statements (WUF13)

Shall we? Yes.
Good morning, Ministers, Excellency Distinguished delegates.
My name is David King, Minister of Housing and Local Government of Malaysia, I'm President of the United Nations Habitats Assembly.
It is my great honor and pleasure to chair this session on national segments under the ministerial meeting taking place in the framework of the 13 sessions of the World Urban Forum.
These sessions provide important opportunities for delegations to share national experiences, priorities, and your recommendation in support of the implementation of the new urban agenda.
Now, please allow me to put on my national hat and deliver the statements on behalf of Malaysia.
Honorable Ministers, Madam Edi, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen.
We shaped our buildings.
Thereafter, they shaped us.
These words of wisdom by Winston Churchill constantly remind us that humanity is defined by the homes we built today.
On behalf of the governor of Malaysia, I express our deepest appreciation to the UN Habitat and the government of Azerbaijan for successfully convening this ministerial meeting.
Malaysia stand firm in our commitment to the new urban agenda and SDG 11.
For us, sustainable urbanization is not just a policy goal, it is a national imperative.
Distinguished delegates with over 75% of our population residing in urban centers, Malaysian cities are the engines of our economy.
However, engine can sometimes get overheat.
Rapid growth has brought with it serious challenges, including housing affordability, climate vulnerability, and social inequality.
We are responding with bold concrete action.
Under the 13 Malaysia plan, we have set an ambitious target to build 1 million affordable and equitable housing units in ten years time.
To the program residency right PRR and residency Madani, we are moving beyond providing shelter and housing.
Instead, we are prioritizing our youth, our first time home buyers, and B 40 households, ensuring that the right to city is a reality for all, not a privilege for few.
Excellencies, Malaysia is not just building more, but building smarter and greener.
First, our smart city framework leverages digital innovation to bridge the urban rural divide.
Second, our low carbon cities framework is a comprehensive response to mitigate and adapt to climate change, turning housing etics into resilience ecosystem.
Data is gold and data is our compass.
Just last month on of April, our prime ministers at the three Anai Ibrahim chaired the 50th National Fiscal Planning Council, where we presented the 2025 Urban Sustainability status Report.
This high level oversight ensures that our urban governance is evidence based.
Transparent and aligned with global benchmark.
Excellence is distinguished delegates, the global housing crisis, and the climate emergency are formidable.
However, they are not insurmountable.
The financing gap remains our greatest hurdle.
To bridge it, we must move from conversation to cooperation and collaboration.
As we approach 2026 midterm review in New York, Malaysia call for first, scale up investment in climate resilience infrastructure.
Secondly, deeper digital integration to make cities responsive, not just reactive.
And last but not least, stronger South Su cooperation, particularly within Asean.
To share local solutions for global problems.
In closing, the new urban agenda is a promise we make the future generations.
Malaysia is here to keep that promise.
In our national language, we have a saying bul a grana pb, bul Mausia mofacat just as water is shaped by its container, the strength of humanity is shaped by our unity and consensus reached today.
The distinguished delegates, let us move forward with that spirit of more fat of collective unity, consensus to transform our cities and communities into centuries of opportunities.
Thank you, Terri Magasi Topsaho.
Now to allow all delegation to take the floor, All distinguished speakers are kindly requested to limit their statements to 3 minutes as time is so precious.
We have 56 countries who are participating in this roundtable meetings.
Therefore, every second counts.
I will now in white delegation to deliver the statement according to the speaker list prepared by UN Habitat.
I hereby humbly the floor to the distinguished representative of Angola, Minister of Public Works, Urban Planning and Housing.
The floor is yours.
Thank you very much Chairperson.
Excellency ministers, Distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen.
Iow me to start by expressing Ggolan government honor to participate in this important ministerial meeting dedicated to the intermediate assessment of the implementation of DM Urban Agenda, a fundamental strategic instrument to guide countries in construction of inclusive resiliency.
It is safe and sustainable in line with the United Nations agenda and in particular with Sustainable Development Goal number 11.
Excellency, Angola is expressing an accelerated process of urbanization.
Demographic growth and internal migration have caused a rapid expansion of the urban centers, often unpleasant, generating significant pressure on housing, transport, sanitation, drainage system, social equipment and based service.
Angola is more than 36 million inhabitants of which a significant portion of resin urban and Puban areas.
This reality poses challenges to territorial planning and the sustainable management of human settlement.
For this reason, we understand that urbanism must take on a more strategic and more inclusive role of urban planning is no longer just a matter of fiscal expansion of cities.
It has become an essential tool of risk prevention, environmental profession, social inclusion, and territorial resilience.
Excellencies, Angola has been implementing of the set structure of public policy and program oriented towards the achievement of new urban agenda and sustainable development objective.
Among the main initiative, allow me to highlight.
First, the national Urbanization Housing Program, which promotes construction of centrality, new seats, and social housing.
Second, the direct self construction program oriented by the provision of sage of infrastructure lots to the population for and assist in self construction of the housing.
Third, refsing of public private partnership to promote affordable housing.
Fourth, the implementation of the Sinai and Gila project, which is aimed to strengthen the real capacity of the government of Angola, for the management of urban development bets in Angola, through urban requalification action, for the delivery of housing solution adapted to change, climate and affordable price, and with the security legal tens.
Excellency is Angola E show that there will be no resilient seats without strong urban infrastructure, without adequate financing and without an integrated vision between urbanization, environment, health, and mobility.
Angolan reaffirms its commitment to multi release in all international partners in promoting more human resilience, sustainable seats.
Allow me to conclude, Mr.
Chairman, by reaffirming that urban, when properly planned, can be a powerful lever for economic growth, social inclusion, and climate adaptation, sustainable future of Angola and in Africa in general will depend to a great extent on the way we plan and manage our seats today.
Thank you very much, Mr.
Chair.
Thank you, our friends from Angola.
Next, I would like to humbly invite His Excellency Koury, Minister Azerbaijan, your floor is yours, the floor is yours.
Please.
Thank you, Chair.
Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, it's a great honor to welcome you to Baku for the certain session of World Urban Forum.
Azerbijanaffirms its strong commitment to implementing the New Urban Agenda and the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development.
With regard Sustainable urbanization as a key pillar for economic diversification, social inclusion, environmental sustainability, territorial cohesion, and long term resilience.
Since 2018, Azerbijan has pursued a more integrated and forward looking approach to territorial planning, guided by Azerbijan 2030 national priorities for socio economic development approved by President Ilham Alif in 2021.
Territorial planning has undergone major modernization.
To date, 68 of 79 cities have updated master plans with the remaining 11 under preparation.
The Baku Master Plan 2040 is a flagship example of this new planning philosophy, promoting a polycentric and compact urban model, integrated public transport, ability, urban regeneration, and high quality public spaces.
At the same time, Azerbijan has strengthened construction legislation, building standards, and urban development regulations while fully digitalizing the construction permit system.
Housing also remains a central pillar of our urban policy since the establishment of the State Housing Development Agency in 2016.
More than 12,000 families have benefited from affordable housing projects while tens of thousands have gained access to mortgage financing through below market pricing mechanisms.
One of the strongest examples of the practical implementation of the N urban agenda in Azerbijan is the Great Return Program.
Large scale reconstruction projects are underway in the liberated territories where cities and settlements once subject to UrbSit at EcoSit are being rebuilt from the ground up based on modern urban planning principles.
Over the last five years, Azerbijan has invested approximately 14.7 billion USD in infrastructure and housing in the liberated Karabakh and East Zang Azur regions with total investment expected to reach 18 billion USD by 2028.
These projects integrate smart infrastructure, renewable energy, sustainable land use, and digital governance systems.
In accordance to new special planning documents, more than half of the territory in the region is designated as green area.
To ensure the efficient implementation of the Great Return program, the government established a dedicated institutional framework, including special representatives of the president for the liberated territories.
Azerbijan is also rapidly advancing renewable energy development.
In 2025, Azerbijan and BP signed the agreement for 240 megawatt solar power plant in Karabakh.
The aradk solar power plant developed in partnership with Mazda is expected to generate around 500 million kilowatt hour annually, while the Apsron wind power project implemented by Aqua Power will become the largest wind energy project in the region.
Together, these initiatives are expected to increase the share of renewable in Azerbijan energy mix from 13% to nearly 38%.
Building on these efforts, Azerbijan together with Yan habitat, IOM, and the Baku Climate and Peace Hub plans to launch the smart sustainable Settlements for Safe Return Package Initiative at WO 13 to support internationally recognized standards for sustainable recovery and reconstruction.
Through sustainable reconstruction, climate sensitive planning, digital transformation, and inclusive territorial development, Azerbijan seeks to actively contribute to the global dialogue and stands ready to share its experience with countries facing similar challenges.
Azerbijan highly values its growing partnership with Yan habitat, and remains committed to strengthening mutual cooperation to ensure that cities remain at the center of the global development and climate solutions.
I wish all of you productive discussions and successful world certain and thank you once again.
Welcome to Baku.
Thank you, Your Excellencies.
I would like to now give the floor to the distinguished representative, a Minister from Bahrain, Minister of Housing and Urban Planning.
The floor is yours.
Thank you, Asia.
My apologies, my ministers.
It's been delayed a bit.
All right.
So we would like to invite next speaker, that the Minister from Botswana, Minister of Water and Human Settlement.
All right.
So next, we would like to take in white, Minister from Cameroon, Minister of Housing and Urban Development to take the floor.
All right.
So next we in white, Minister of Chart, Minister of Territorial Planning, Housing and Urban Development.
The floor is yours, Your Excellency's.
Thank you very much.
A bit earlier, I listened to the speech by a lot of eminences.
I have to say that everyone mentioned and everyone agreed about the water that yes, it is a source of life.
You in Chad, water is the main enemy.
For the simple reason that when we have fluids, the people cannot think about welcoming this water but simply reject it.
Ladies and gentlemen, I would like, first of all, thank the government of Azerbaijan and In habitat for organizing this forum that is very important.
The Chad Republic is a stakeholder of all the documents very pragmatic and international where we focus on the SDGs for 2030.
This new urban agenda For 2030 is also focusing on the agenda of Africa for 2016.
We all agree that access to affordable housing is a human right that is related to the objective to provide to everyone, a resilient house.
It is within this framework and with the recommendation that we have in the national Strategy of the housing that the government of Chad, its president, its Excellency, Marshal Marth pri Itno Set as a priority, the housing case.
Like any country in Sub Sahara Ara and Africa, we have been affected by the climate change.
It raised awareness that we have to find a, a resolution that is long lasting facing the impact on the future of our towns, villages and no reality here is set apart.
Ladies and gentlemen, Mr.
President of the UN General Assembly, misses USG, ladies and gentlemen, Mr.
Ministers, to face this phenomenon that the nature is imposing on us, we have the accountability and common responsibility to adopt an approach that is more preventive than curative.
It goes through the implementation of new concept of way of life through a program and resilient approach.
It is within this framework, as I said, that taking into account the cross cutting aspect of this mission that the Ministry of urbanism that I represent with the leadership of the Marsal head of the country, We have in this vision, take this commitment.
That's why we commit in the most participative and inclusive way to continue this policy of the government in terms of human settling regarding the SCG number 11 to make affordable housing and more resilient cities and inclusive cities.
Within 2030, we will have to open consultation to make the document a lot more open.
Housing is a major challenge in sub Saharan Africa related to a fast increasing demography and increased development with the proliferation of slums and the lack of basic infrastructures.
And people are forced to live in very poor settlement without any drinking water, without any basic infrastructure, without electricity.
This housing crisis in Chad is a major social challenge that calls for action on the government.
The president of Republic has established it as a priority.
To face this challenge, the government of Chad, through the Ministry of Territory Planning and Urbanism and housing is launching a project of resilient social housing in the big cities to contribute to the reduction of informal housing and the Aartic housing, we plan a sustainable housing that is carbon neutral and resilient.
To this, we add the structural project For a modern city hand manager to develop a multi functional pole, an ambitious project for urban planning that is carried by the City Hall of the Capitol and where the mayor here is coming with me.
It is part of this delegation.
For this project, we want to improve the mobility, the transport, human transport, trade infrastructures and road development.
However, housing crisis ask for funding solutions that are innovative, we call for a new pact for the housing funding facilitating the access to credits for the poor households.
And favoring the use of local and sustainable materials.
Working with the private sector, we are implementing mechanisms to guarantee this construction of affordable housing.
This is why while asking all partners more commitment in their cooperation for housing, it is essential for me to express my sincere thanks to the Chad government for their effort for the last year and the coming years.
Chad reaffirm their commitment to implement the new urban agenda, let's make it possible for each of our inhabitant of our cities to have access to a housing.
This is why I would like also to explain that social housing In Chad is a challenge.
The majority of the population lives and experience this climate change with fluids due to a lot of migration from the families that live without any house.
Yes, it is a challenge for Chad.
This is why we are committed in the future to organize the next Wolf in Chad.
This way, we'll put the light on this institution that would be very benefic from our populations.
Thank you.
Thank you, Excellencies.
Now, I would like to give the floor to the distinguished representative of Ministers of Churchil, Minister of Regional Development.
Your Excellencies, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen.
It is an honor to address this ministerial meeting on behalf of Cechia.
Let me thank UN Habitat and the government of Azerbijan for hosting this important event here in Baku.
We believe that international cooperation and the exchange of good practices are more important than ever in addressing shared urban challenges and accelerating the implementation of the new Urban agenda.
Since the adoption of the new Urban agenda, Sekeia has remained fully committed to its implementation and regards it as a key global framework for sustainable urban development.
Our efforts focus on building sustainable, inclusive, and resilient cities.
At the national level, we have focused on reinforcing the social and institutional dimensions of urban development, improving access to essential services, and addressing housing affordability.
The Czech government coincides housing a core public interest, fundamental to social cohesion, territorial stability, and economic opportunity.
This approach guides reforms aimed at modernizing legal frameworks, supporting vulnerable groups, and strengthening municipal capacity.
We also stress the importance of territorial cohesion and integrated urban development.
Challenges remain.
Housing affordability, infrastructure needs, and territorial disparities require stronger multi level governance, better coordination, and predictable financing.
These challenges are shared and go for collective solutions.
Looking ahead, CechA will continue to prioritize affordable housing, climate resilient and energy efficient urban development, municipal capacity building, and strong partnership with local authorities, civil society, the private sector, and academia.
In closing, Cechia stands ready to work with partners worldwide for advanced and inclusive implementation, focused new urban agenda and ensure that our cities remain places of opportunity, dignity, and resilience for all.
Thank you for your attention.
Thank you, Excellency.
Next, I would like to invite ministers from Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ministova Urbanism and Housing.
The floor is yours.
Ladies and gentlemen, Dear Ministers.
Miss Executive Director of and Habitat, Your Excellency's distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen.
I would like to start by thanking the Republic of Azerbijan as well as inhabit it for the organization of this World Urban Forum in its 13th edition, and also thank for the remarkable hospitality of the Azerbijani people.
The DRC is undergoing an unprecedented urban transition.
Every year, more than 1 million new urban dwellers move into our cities.
Kinshasa, our capital with nearly 17 million inhabitants, is one of the fastest growing mega cities in the world.
In the DRC, 82% of households lack land titles, while the shortage of decent housing stands at 9 million units.
In response to this situation, the government of the DRC has made controlled urbanization a national priority.
We are developing a ten year urban planning and housing plan for 2026 20 2036, which aims to make urbanization a driver of economic, social, and environmental development.
Our plan is based on three concrete pillars.
First, forward looking planning.
By 2028, the 26 provincial capitals will be equipped with urban master plans or urban reference plans developed using geographic information systems and a participatory approach.
These plans will enable us to better define the functions and the subsequent zoning of our various cities in order to ensure that their management is planned well in advance.
A corollary of this is this proactive planning is ensuring that any housing development project services, the targeted sites prior to any construction.
Second, the implementation of city expansion projects and landmark urban developments.
In Kinshaa, the Kia Mona Project is not that of a new city, but that of a new town covers 43,000 hectares in the rural commune of Maluku 30 kilometers east of Angili airport and 60 kilometers from the current city center with the aim of relieving congestion from the capital.
This expansion project, which calls for the construction of an industrial complex with 1,200 factories, Prior to any major other investment is set to deliver 100 factories as well as a modern world class hospital by 2027.
It also incorporates a mixed energy mix, hydroelectric and solar, multimodal access, road, river, et cetera, and housing options for an inclusive middle class.
Kinssa Kiona is primarily developed through public private partnerships with one stop shop for facilitating investor activities.
Urban development is also being driven by the promotion of secondary cities along economic corridors.
These include primarily the Lobito corridor, part of the mining value chain between the country southeast and Angola, the inchesa Inga Banna Axis, a corridor focused mainly on energy, logistics, and agriculture, and the Central Eastern corridor known as the corridor of Peace, which is mainly focused on agribusiness.
Thus, cities like Coolwse, Kasagi and Dilo, Mati, and Boa will serve as hubs for mineral processing, energy production and distribution, logistical support, or also agri food development or residential areas depending on the planning established and advanced, and the specific roles and potential of each city.
Third, an innovative land reform and a new code of urban planning and construction current and development.
The new land law now enables the real estate market to function more effectively through the mandatory digitization of the land registry, the establishment of an official price index, and prohibiting barter for land acquisitions.
This three pronged approach enables the creation of a transparent and unified database so that the government can better plan, evaluate, and regulate land use as a true strategic resource.
The new Urban Planning Code, once it is enacted, will enable the use of modern planning tools and will establish a legal framework for the secure use of urban space.
These three priorities will enable the achievement of measurable results by 2036, including 26 urban planning plans and bylaws for provincial capitals and several secondary cities, at least 500,000 affordable housing units, improved access to drinking water and electricity in urban areas, better guidance for self construction, greater land tenure, security, and finally, a reduction in the shortage of decent housing.
These ambitions require strong partnerships.
We need expertise for our digital twins.
Concessional financing for critical infrastructure, and private capital for the PPPs in real estate, energy, and mobility.
To achieve this, the DRC calls on donors, private investors, UN agencies, and international financial institutions to join us.
Your Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, the DRC has chosen to turn its urban growth into an opportunity.
We no longer want sprawling slums, but plant resilient neighborhoods that create jobs and provide decent connected housing.
Under the leadership of President Tsekdi and with your support, we will build sustainable, inclusive, and smart African cities.
Long live international cooperation, long live the World Urban Forum, long live the DRC.
Thank you.
Yes.
Thank you, Your Excellencies.
We know that the time is precious, so I would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone, try to strict keep your speech within the time limit, so it'll be fair to other ministers as well.
So next, I would like to give the floor to Ministers of Housing and Urban Modernization from Dominica.
Your Excellency, the floor is yours.
Is it here? No.
Not here.
Next, I would like to invite Minister of Housing, utilities, and urban communities from Egypt.
Is Egypt here? If not, next, we would like to invite Minister of Housing Habitat, Urban Planning and Land Registry from Duban.
Thank you.
Thank you, Mr.
Chairman.
Ladies and gentlemen, dear ministers, ladies and gentlemen, representatives of the UN, distinguished delegates.
It's an honor to take the floor here in the name of Gabon in front of this distinguished Assembly reunited here in Baku for the 13th World Urban Forum.
I would like to express my gratitude for the Republic of Azerbijan for their warm welcome and also for their organization that make this forum an important event for thinking urban issues.
The team of today, housing the world of building safe and resilient communities is a call for mobilization when it comes to the climate emergency.
This team is also in line with SDG 11, We need to make sure that housing is a driver for our population and not a challenge.
Your Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, the world is confronted with a housing crisis.
Today, more than 3 billion Human beings live in bad conditions and more than 300 million do not have a roof over their head.
This crisis are even more deep with the energy crisis.
6 million people still live today without electricities, according to data from the International Energy Agency and the African Development Bank.
My country, Gabon is also vulnerable to this.
Our country faces a very big demographic pressure and structural lack.
Especially in urban areas where the demographic pressure accentuate the difficulty to access housing and also to make sure that the basic services are being accessed.
Other problems like floods and other natural disasters make it even more hard.
In the face of all of these conditions, The president of the Republic started a reform in order to restore access for everyone to land rights, to resilient housing.
In order to translate this vision into action, Gabon decided to optimize the modernization of its land policy.
We created a fund for housing that whose aim is to help the sector.
The investment come from private and public partnership.
Thousands of housing units are now being built and some units are already available at national level.
This was only possible because of a collaboration with the World Bank and this way, Gabon could make sure that some very key areas in the country can benefit from urban planning.
Ladies and gentlemen, we are convinced that we need to measure things in order to understand them.
That is why we want to have more data on statistics on housing.
This project is of utmost importance.
We have more than 250 KPIs that identify the different aspects to housing, land rights, resilience of the housing market, et cetera.
This system will contribute to the resilience of our sector and will also allow Gabon to have decision boards that really help us Make progress and make sure that we have investments for our urban activities, better policies using this data.
Caban not only follows urban agendas, our country also acts.
May I request you to conclude your speech.
Thank you.
Good for resilience, urban attendance.
However, urban resilience.
Needs cooperation.
Gabon calls on cooperation with the international partners so that housing is not a luxury anymore, but a right that guarantees security and the well being of each and every citizen.
Thank you.
Next, I would like to invite Ministers of Gambia, Republic of Gambia.
If not, next, I would like to invite Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development from Georgia Now I'd like to give the floor to Minister of Local Government, Captaincy and Religious Affairs from Ghana.
Any representative from Ghana? If not next, we would like to proceed with Minister of Urban Planning from Gini.
Gini.
Nim President.
Thank you very much.
I will start my speech by thanking the authorities of Baku and of inhabited, Your Excellencies, dear ministers.
Misses Deputy Secretary of Human habitat, ladies and gentlemen, housing is very important and if not, it can create fractures, a city that plans, regulates, and invests in housing, contributes to its competitivity and to society.
This gives meaning to this 13th wolf.
Whose aim is to house the world and reminds them that housing is not a subject only limited to social policy.
It contributes to one of the main drivers climate resilience, territorial balance and so on and so for the 21st century will be urban, but it will also be marked by big urban issues, and it will depend on how well we will organize our territory.
Demographic growth will also be something to tackle.
Africa is in the center of all of this.
Our continent is in the center of this growth, whether it is land or demographic growth, and we need access to housing in Guinea.
This reality is also translated through an acceleration of informal housing and land right pressure as well as climate challenges.
We also have issues when it comes to planning and urban financing and in general, investments.
The president of our republic has started a new phase of development for 2040.
Our ambition is clear, make urbanization a driver from economic modernization and economic and territorial sovereignty.
We need to make this happen.
We also have changed our land system and land registry system.
And we will also work on more transparency.
This will create more confidence, more trust, when it comes to land and housing investment.
Guinea also launched a very important initiative when it comes to housing to produce 50 million housing units by 2030.
This will allow us to have enough equipment and ensure also access to white water and other basic rights.
We will also like to build new cities with integrated models, especially in the Simanu corridor.
We need to anticipate the demographic mutations that will take place and make the logistic efforts to make sure that we can promote a better distributed demographic growth.
The green transition of cities is also very important through urban decision, through economic circularity.
Our initiative Zero Waste of our government has also the same aim.
Ladies and gentlemen, the implementation of the new urban agenda, of the SDGs, and of the commitments here from the Declaration of Nairobi mean that we need to cooperate even more together for affordable housing and territorial resilience, especially for developing territories.
The cost of urban infrastructure, the adaptation to climate change, the regulation of land rights, need innovative financing measures, and the implication of all multilateral institutions.
Guinea reminds us that it is in favor of cooperation of solidarity and innovation as well as development.
I don't have any questions to conclude.
Our capacity to build capable cities, guarantee human dignity and guarantee the economic competitivity of cities.
That is why the Republic of Guinea reminds the international community that we need urban resilience spaces for the future.
Thank you very much for your attention.
Maku, thank you.
Thank you very much.
Minister of Housing, utilities, and urban communities from Egypt.
The floor is yours, Excellency.
Thank you.
Ladies and gentlemen, it's a great honor to Egypt to take part in this se ministerial meeting, which represents a significant step to follow up on the new way in light of review the midterm report before the U assembly in 2026, Egypt would like to reiterate that the new urban agenda is our priority and to make sure that it's translated into national plans and to have effective mechanisms and tangible results that all citizens can feel on daily basis.
Through the past ten years, Egypt has translated the three main pillars of the NA, the social inclusion and to have the inclusive social prosperity, resilience, and flexibility through the different housing departments and the rural development files along with the governance.
In light of that framework, we got one of the mega affordable housing projects in Egypt where we managed to establish more than 1,500,000 units since 2014, including the social housing and different models of housing to expand the opportunities of having affordable housing, especially for the low income households.
Egypt has also managed to regenerate all of the slums that were informal and that's through the participatory framework to make sure that we have effective urban cities.
This has contributed in maintaining the human dignity and to make sure that we have better well being through the Egyptian cities.
In the rural areas, we got the Presidential initiative, Hayaria decent Life that has helped to close the gaps between urban and rural areas through the access to water, logistics, electricity, and all of the educational and health services to more than 4,500 corridors that support the social presence and also minimize the displacements and enhance the resilience of rural areas.
And we got more than 90% of water accessibility by 2025.
Which reflects directly on the public health, the social justice, and improving well being.
Such transformation was the result of a holistic networking of social protection and different projects, including the flan Croma project that supported the financial support for the vulnerable people with disabilities, and also the burden households that enhanced the social cohesion and mitigated the burdens, especially on women and children and vulnerable households burdens.
So this also helped to connect all the different categories of the communities.
On the level of planning, Egypt has adopted the national Urban mechanism in 2023 and initiated and launched different smart cities and green economies through the second round or the 12th session of the Wolf that took place in Cairo, 2024.
In addition to developing different legislative and organizational frameworks.
Meanwhile, Egypt has enhanced the integration between the spatial planning and the climate fund through taking into consideration the green transformation and the likewise projects in the urban development efforts and on the level of financing and the digital transformation, which represents the unified vision for the coming 20 years to ensure the right of everyone to have affordable unit for proper housing.
This has been done through four main pillars that we're aiming towards having the urban development for all of the available affordable houses and social houses and to make sure that we meet the needs of sustainable housing.
We also have got a special fund for the low number for the low of 2018, and we got the green bonds and different partnerships through the PPP, and we also got the urban fund as a main innovative way to enhance the value added for the planned options.
We also got the national plans to follow on the new urban development for 2021 up to 2025 respectively, according to the respective stakeholder databases and statistics.
Meanwhile, Egypt believes that challenges are still there, on top of which is the gap between the prices of houses and affordable housing and unplanned slums and informal households, and the importance of having decentralization as part of the planning and data collection, in addition to the excessive repercussions of the climate change that hinder access to fundamental sorry, could we need to make sure that we need to set the priorities in that way, to have better mechanism, to have more resilient funds and to make sure that we have dignified life and well being for everyone and also to have the digital planning that could be more responsive to climate changes.
Egypt would really look forward to work on the outputs of this session to include it into the midterm report.
Egypt would like to reiterate the fact that we do need to have the affordable partnership through the different respective Authorities, to make sure that no one will be left behind.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I give the floor to the distinguished representative, Minister of Public Works Housing and Urban Planning from Guinea near Bisau.
Is the minister here.
Next we like to invite Minister of Roads and Urban Development from Iran.
In the name of God, I delivered this statement on behalf of Her Excellency.
Doctor Tarzan Hono Aban Minister of Roads and Urban Development of Islamic Republic of Iran.
First of all, I would like to extend my appreciation to the government of Azerbaijan for organizing Roof 13.
Allow me For the full and foremost to highlight my country's persistent efforts towards achieving sustainable and human urban living.
Islamic Republic of Iran, despite operating under the heavy pressures of tyrannical sanctions and military aggression.
Remains at the forefront of delivering large scale housing for low income and will ban populations.
We have made substantive progress in advancing sustainable urban development through first, the expansion of urban infrastructure and the reduction of multidimensional deprivation.
Urban regeneration and urban regeneration programs, grounded active community participation in underserved neighborhoods, strengthening risk management and resilience frameworks in response to climate change and advancing renewable energy and smart city initiatives in collaboration with international partners.
Dear colleagues, ladies and gentlemen.
Today, we gather here to exchange knowledge and experiences on addressing the challenge of rapid urbanization and fostering sustainable communities.
Why in the recent US Zionist led war against my country, more than 150,000 homes were destroyed, leaving countless families homeless.
The safety and security of Iranian citizens have been severely threatened.
More than 270 scholars children, including the innocent students of Sadeta Yabe Primary School in the city of Minob lost their lives by strikes conducted by US critical urban infrastructure, including bridges and key roads and rail networks.
The backbone of safe and resilient urban systems.
He has sustained significant damage inevitably slowing Iranian trajectory towards sustainable urban development.
Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, today, the reconstruction of all affected areas stands as our foremost priority preceding any other urban development agenda, delivering practical implementable solutions from resilient housing design to the reconstruction of energy, water, and transport systems will enable us to rebuild cities that are safer and more resilient for our children.
Not only as a minister, but as a human, I cannot rest while even one tribe in Iran remains without a home.
In conclusion, from the bottom of my heart heart, I wish peace and well being for all children around the world who longed for a safe city and a warm home and ask the global community and the United Nations, particularly the UN habitat condemned the war stage against Islamic Republic of Iran, by the US and ZionS regime in the strongest way possible.
Thank you for your attention.
Thank you, Your Excellency.
Next, I would like to invite Minister of Culture and Internet Affairs from Kiri Bhati Is the ministers, yes.
Thank you, Honorable Chair for coming for.
Honorable Chair, Excellencies, I bring warm greetings from the people and the government of ribs and Maori.
Means to be blessed.
Kulibs reaffirms its commitments to a new open agenda and to building resilience open communities across our islands.
Over the past decade, we have focused on strengthening governance systems that connect national priorities with our local delivery.
We are working closely with urban councils, particularly in South Tarawa and Christmas.
Christmas is known as the biggest do on planet to translate the policy into action.
We advance participatory approach to inform severments, upgrading and develop strategies that integrates housing, infrastructure, and climate resilience.
This reflects a simple reality in Kibis, housing is the front line of climate adaptation.
We are making progress, but we are not yet moving at the scale required.
Our key constraints are clear, limited technical capacity, insufficienc finance, and the need for stronger project preparation systems to access funding effectively.
The next gate must be therefore focused on scaling what works.
KEE calls for first, investments in the national and local government capacity so that EP councils can design and implement resilience housing solutions.
Second, stronger integrations of national and local systems, ensuring climate and NPN priorities are aligned and delivered cootly.
This targeted support to develop E projects enabling countries like AS to assist and utilize the climate and the development finance.
We do not lack plans.
We need the means to implement them at scale.
Colis remains commitment to working with partner, best neighbors to turn commitments into results.
Thank you, Amro.
Thank you, Your Excellencies.
I now would like to invite the Minister of Construction from Kygistan Next Yes.
Is the Minister of Kygistan here? If not, now, I would like to give the floor to the distinguished representative, Minister from Les Soto Leto.
If not, next, I would like to give the floor the Minister of Housing and Construction from Libya.
Abs Miller.
In the name of Compassionate.
Thank you so much, Mr.
President.
Thank you so much Azerbijan.
Thanks so much to you and Habitat for organizing such important and significant forum.
Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished as from Vako, the land of civilization on how history can meet the future.
I am standing here representing Libya.
And to deliver three main messages from the heart of the nation that tries to survive.
The first message is as following.
Actually, it's a message of hope under the slogan of revival.
The slogan that's been initiated by the government to have better strategies and to set this as one of the priorities including the National Program for housing to continue 150,000 units, respectful housing units for our households and youth.
In our plan, we have relentless steps towards smart cities, the cities that could be managed by knowledge and can survive by hope.
The second message is following.
It's a message of gratitude.
May all of those who belated who have gone through the storm Such challenge has made it clear to all of our Libyan sons because all the communities have been working collectively and furthermore, we've been supported by the surrounding countries.
The crisis has made it clear that cohesion is a cornerstone for the communities to survive.
The third message, which is a message of partnership.
Libya nowadays, opens its gateways for accountable investments.
We do believe that the Triple P is the actual bridge towards prosperous cities.
We here call you all not to support, but further to seize the opportunities that we have to construct together smart cities, sustainable communities.
Dear world, urbanization is not measured by its heights, but with maintaining human rights.
Let's make sure that we do provide the fundamental rights and the integrity to be our pathway and the human integrity to be our legend here.
We see Libya is right back on the track to build its future.
May Allah protect all of our world.
Thank you so much.
New York abiding by the rules anyway.
Next, I would like to invite Minister of Chancellor of the Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Lithuania.
Excellencies, distinguished colleagues.
I thank our host Azerbaijan, for organizing this important forum.
Ten years into the new urban agenda, the question is simple.
Are we delivering results? For Lithuania housing is not just a sector, it is a foundation of safe, resilient, and inclusive cities.
Delivering it requires three things clear planning, empowered local governments, and real measurable results.
Lifani is acting on all three.
First, clear planning.
Lifani implements the new urban agenda through place based action aligned with European Union frameworks.
Our comprehensive plan sets a long term spatial vision while delivering practical solutions aligned with national priorities.
We are improving planning rules to raise urban quality, accelerate climate action, and ensure transparency and meaningful public participation.
Second, empowered local governments.
We are bringing decisions closer to people.
Municipalities in Lithuania now manage state owned land in cities and towns.
This enables cities to act faster and deliver more coherent and sustainable solutions that reflect real local needs.
Third, real measurable results.
We are investing in our buildings and in our people.
Lithuania is scaling the renovation and energy efficiency upgrades of multi apartment buildings.
Renovated buildings already deliver 40% energy savings, reducing emission, lowering costs, strengthening energy security, and improving living conditions.
Our objective is clear.
By 2050, Lithuania's entire building stock will be zero emission with fossil fuels phased out from heating.
But housing is not only about energy, it is about affordability and dignity.
We're increasing housing supply reinforcing municipalities and expanding social and non market housing solutions because no one should be priced out of their home or their city.
Leaving no one behind means leaving no city behind.
Lithuania condemns Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, which has torn apart cities, homes and communities.
Yet European stands as a Ukrainian symbol of resilience and recovery, and we welcome Azerbijan support in rebuilding it.
Lithuania stands firmly with Ukraine and remains committed to supporting the reconstruction of sustainable, resilient, and human centered cities.
Looking ahead, Lithuania calls for free practical actions by 2036.
Cities must have predictable and enabling frameworks.
Housing investments must reward affordability and climate performance and accountability must be shared through common indicators, open monitoring tools, and regular stock taking to ensure commitments translate into real results.
Thank you.
Thank you, Excellency.
Now, I would like to give the floor to the distinguished representative of Deputy Minister, Ministry of Housing and Public Works from Bangladesh.
Yes, the floor is yours.
In Irahim delegates, colleagues and development partners, Aslam orlakum.
It is a great honor to address the World Urban Forum 13 on behalf of the Government of People's Republic of Bangladesh.
I sincerely thank government of Azerbijan, UN Habitat, and our global partners for bringing us together to advance the shared vision of sustainable, inclusive, and resilient cities.
Bangladesh is one of the fastest urbanization countries in the world.
Urbanization presents us with significant challenges, but also immense opportunities to drive economic growth, social inclusion, and climate resilience.
With this understanding, the government of Bangladesh has placed planned urbanization and inclusive housing at the heart of its national development agenda, fully aligned with the new urban agenda and the sustainable development goals.
Recently, Bangladesh government has formulated a special Planning Act for planned urbanization and invitable distribution of people and resources throughout the country.
Housing for all in our main goal, targeted in our national urban policy to provide adequate shelters for low income people.
Government has taken initiatives for slum improvement projects such as Tui Dot Para and CD improvement projects.
At the same time, the old Hakka revitalization project seeks to preserve cultural heritage while improving housing, infrastructure and safety in all of our most and historic urban areas.
The project will improve liability, promote social interactions, and provide environmental relief within the dense urban fabric.
Strong partnerships have been critical to our progress.
We deeply value the support of UL habitat in strengthening inclusive housing policies and climate responsive urban planning as well as the continued partnership of the World Bank in financing urban infrastructure and resilience initiatives.
The transforming the build environment projects supported by UNS is further helping us integrate sustainability and innovation across the construction sector.
In collaboration with UNESCO, we are also addressing the silent challenge of land subsidence in Cox budget, a critical issue for coastal and urban sustainability.
Despite our progress, challenges remain rapid urban growth, land scarcity, informal settlements, and increasing climate risk.
Yet the challenges also offer opportunities to strength institutions and scale up green and smart solutions.
Looking ahead, Bangladesh remains committed to expanding affordable housing, strengthening urban governments, deepening partnerships, and ensuring that no one is left behind.
Excellencies.
Together, let us build cities that are inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable for present and future generations.
Thank you all for your patience.
Thank you, Bandgladesh.
Next, I would like to invite why minister productive rural and water development from Bolivia.
If not next, W Assistant Deputy Minister, Homeless and Housing Program Sector from Canada.
Floors, your Excellency.
Thank you, Mr.
Chair.
Good morning.
Bj Canada FR.
Program.
Canada is very happy for this opportunity.
Thank you habitat for enging this meeting at the moment where the cities and collectivity all around the world are facing huge pressure Azerbaijan for welcoming us to the forum.
My name is Janet Golding, Assistant Deputy Minister at Housing Infrastructure and Communities, Canada, and it is my pleasure to deliver remarks on behalf of the Honorable Gregor Robertson, Minister for Housing and Infrastructure.
Over the past ten years, the new urban agenda has helped inform important paradigm shift in Canada's approach to cities and communities.
Moving forward, more people centered, integrated and inclusive urban development that leaves no one behind.
Since the adoption of the new urban agenda in 2016, Canada has taken concrete steps to align national housing policy with its principles.
In 2017, the government of Canada launched a national housing strategy, a long term human rights informed plan to improve housing outcomes for those in greatest need.
To date, the strategy represents more than 115 billion in planned federal investments over more than a decade.
Canada also strengthened the role of cities and communities as partners in national policy delivery through place based programs and flexible funding models.
Municipalities and individuals communities have been empowered to lead responses tailored to local realities, whether addressing homelessness, housing supply, or infrastructure gaps.
Recognizing the scale and urgency of today's housing challenges, Canada is also modernizing how housing is delivered.
A newly established federal entity but Canada homes, represents a shift from incremental program based approaches towards coordinated delivery at scale.
By mobilizing public land for housing, supporting flexible financing, streamlining approvals, and supporting modern construction methods, Canada is working to accelerate the pace of housing delivery while reducing costs.
Looking ahead, Canada sees three priority areas that will be essential to delivering on the new urban agenda over the next ten years.
First, speed and scale.
Urban challenges are moving faster than policy and delivery models.
Governments must reduce regulatory friction, modernize planning and permitting systems, accelerate the use of public land for housing, and embrace innovative construction approaches to deliver housing and infrastructure at a pace that communities need.
Second, inclusion and partnerships.
Achieving sustainable cities requires growth that benefits everyone.
This means advancing indigenous led housing solutions, addressing the needs of women, youth, seniors, newcomers, and people with disabilities, and strengthening collaboration with community organizations, the private sector, and civil society.
Third, resilience and sustainability.
Housing and urban development must increasingly integrate climate adaptation, energy, efficiency, and disaster preparedness, ensuring that communities are not only affordable, but also safe, durable, and future proofed.
The new urban agenda reminds us that there is no single pathway, but a shared responsibility to track progress, learn from one another, and continuously improve.
Canada believes that progress toward 2036 will depend on shared learning, transparency, and continued international cooperation.
The World Urban Forum provides a vital space to exchange best practices, challenge assumptions, and identify solutions that can be scaled and adapted across different contexts.
While Canada has had its successes, it has also had its challenges, and we are open and ready to learn from our international peers while sharing our own experiences.
We look forward to the coming days where we will have the opportunity to discuss barriers and best practices for a better future.
Jabot Mercy, thank you.
Thank you, Excellencies from Canada.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of China.
Fu Jin Shi Guo Chu.
Distinguished chairperson, delegates, ladies and gentlemen, dear friends, it is a great pleasure and we see the shared vision of the new urban agenda.
Over the course of ten years, China joined hands with multiple countries and we made concrete steps towards sustainable development of the cities.
Echoing the vision by President Xi Jinping, we have achieved historic progress in urban development, establishing a housing system featuring multi source supply, multi channel support, and rent and purchase options as a country with 1.4 billion people.
Now we have basically achieved the purpose of housing for all.
The average land area for urban system is more than 40 square meters and urbanization status, capacity, planning, governance status, as well as livability, historic and cultural heritage protection, eco environment have all seen significant improvement.
We reviewed the implementation in China of the new urban agenda, and we have generated a national report, which we will be sharing during week 13.
We are entering the second half of the implementation of the new urban agenda.
China will center every action around housing our people.
Good housing is the fundamentals.
We promote good housing, good residential compartment, good communities, and good urban areas.
We are dedicated to creating innovative, livable, beautiful, resilient, civilized, and smart, modernized city for the people.
This is the urban modernization pathway with Chinese features.
We adhere to good standards designs, materials, constructions, maintenance as principles as we construct safe, comfortable, green, smart houses, and when it comes to remodeling old residential compartments in urbanris, we are dedicated to creating good residential compartments equipped with comprehensive features and livability.
And we focus on constructing comprehensive communities to operate safe, healthy, well equipped, and well managed communities, and urban regeneration regeneration is an important lever in creating urban areas with vitalities.
Dear delegates, cities is an important infrastructure for urbanis.
The future of global cities takes global collaborations, and the Chinese government will continue to support UN habitats.
And the World Urban Day and the Sustainable City Awards, we will gather consensus and share momentum, co promote the implementation of the new urban agenda, and creating a better future and homes for billions and billions of people.
Next, I would like to give the floor to the Distinguished representative Deputy Minister from Cuba.
Distinguished ministers, deputy ministers, delegates, ladies and gentlemen, excellences.
Cuba is arriving on the 13th Urban forum with a special route already run.
In December 2019, the Council of Ministers approved a new national action plan with implementation of the new urban agenda and the new Act 145 2020, one for the urban management, for Ax housing for all.
My country is with a commitment that the new Urban agenda is an essential instrument to advance towards a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable cities with a commitment that a new world is possible, but with a complex world scenery.
Cubans are under blockage, economic, financial, blockade by the United States over 60 years of blockade.
Together with the energy blockade that is against the well being of the Cuban population with more impact on the most vulnerable people, among all people and children.
But Cuba is advancing with the different challenges in the implementation of the new urban agenda.
With the two quarter reports 2022010-20202020 to 2000 and with new local capacities of transformation of settlements and informal housing and facing the climate challenges.
The main advances and achievements are based on three pillars, the legal framework, the territorial planning, and the local dimension with an urban national policy referred to the long term and with a strategic vision and an action program based on multi level actions.
There is a capacitation of No plan with the capacitation of many public servants in the different municipalities, the urban planning, housing planning, assist imation of good practices and local experience in resilience area, housing adaptation in the coastal areas facing climate challenges, and so on.
The implementation of the new urban agenda in Cuba has followed a continuous line with habitat three with adaptation of the NAU, the formulation of the National action plan with the assistance of the UN habitat, the urban response to COVID 19, the construction of the legal framework, the Act 145 2021, the National territorial Management approach, the strethening of capacities and integration of the 2030 agenda with the concentrative approach on eight strategic pillars, planning, legislation, financing, urban economy, housing, mobility, accessibility, technical infrastructure, and risks and climate change, the access to a proper housing, for all should be a reality.
We need to recognize the complexity of the different issues in the habitat, especially in the developing countries when implementing financing initiatives addressed to the development of the urban settlements.
This is a right that is in the Cuman constitution.
In these ten years, we still are fighting for the social cohesion and the citizens' safety.
So by 2036, Cuba is committed to its vision in the long term to achieve a territorial urban system polycentric and balanced that reduces the territorial imbalances that is resilient to climate, with energy independence, and the use of renewable sources of energy, management of the risks integrated in this approach, providing housing park that is safe and diverse, ensuring life quality with sustainable governance of this new housing park.
Cuba is reiterating the essential significance of the partnership and inter regional cooperation in connection with the 2030 agenda, the need for the contribution of the multilevel governance, the local capacity, or access to technologies and innovation.
Thank you very much.
State for Environment and Energy Security from Italy.
It's an honor to address this assembly.
I would like to thank the government of Azerbijan for the hospitality and UN habitat for the central role it plays in promoting a global dialogue on the future of cities and communities.
Today, it is increasingly clear that sustainable development takes shape at the local level where innovations and opportunities are concentrated, but also growing inequalities and vulnerabilities.
It is precisely from this awareness that we must strengthen our shared commitment, reaffirming the centrality of multilevel governance, the localization of the sustainable development goals, and policy coherence for sustainable development as pillars of the 2030 agenda and the new urban agenda.
Taken together, these elements make it possible to overcome fragmentation and translate global commitments into concrete results for citizens.
The major challenges we face from climate change to the housing crisis, from social inequalities to the sustainable management of resources, are felt with particular intensity at the local level.
It is therefore essential to recognize local authorities as co creators of development, empowering them to adopt integrated approaches, nature based solutions, circular economy models, and the renewed balance between urban and rural areas.
Italy's commitment for sustainable development aligns with this direction through the National Sustainable Development Strategy through which we have established a framework designed to link sectoral policies and levels of government, strengthening, integrated spatial planning and evidencing the contribution of local communities to the global goals.
Particular attention needs to be given to the housing crisis which directly affects social cohesion, equity, and human dignity.
The new Italian housing plan aims to support the provision of affordable housing and the rehabilitation of public housing stock.
Within a broader and more sustainable vision of urban development in which sport must also be recognized as an essential urban service for social cohesion, inclusion, and well being, as a further priority objective is to ensure more structured involvement of local authorities in decision making processes, including at the international level.
Investing in the capacities of cities and regions in terms of governance, expertise, data, and the resources is an essential prerequisite for change.
In this context, the processes of integrating the national reviews and the local reviews represents a strategic tool for strengthening coherence between the local, national and global levels and guiding policies beyond 2030.
Through the partnership platform on localizing the SDGs co managed by Italy and UN Habitat, we have invited the countries that will present their voluntary national refuse This year to join in a joint statement on the centrality of localization of the sustainable development goals as a driver of systemic transformation.
Excellency, as we discuss the midterm review of the new urban agenda, our message is clear.
We must strengthen partnerships which look at strengthening multi level governance, promote the localization of SDGs, and ensure policy coherence for sustainable development.
Italy is ready to do its part together with all of you.
Thank you.
Oh, Excellency, thank you.
Minister of local government, Substantial religious Affairs from Ghana.
After Ghana, it will be Japan.
Executive Director of UN Habitat Excellencies, honorable ministers, mayors, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen, good morning.
On behalf of His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Ghana and the people of Ghana, I convey warm greeting sincere appreciation to the government of Azerbaijan and the UN Habitat for convening this 13 section of the world Ban in Baku.
Ghana fully aligned itself with the theme of this forum, housing the world, safe, resilient cities and communities.
Because housing is not only a social necessity, it is the foundation of dignity, resilience, productivity, and inclusion.
Ghana's urban transition is accelerating.
Urban population continues to grow rapidly, creating significant opportunities for innovation, expertise, and structural transformation.
At the same time, the transition It's intensifying pressure on housing, land management, mobility, drainage, sanitation, waste systems, and public services.
For us, the urban question is not peripheral to development.
It is central to national transformation.
We are therefore pursuing a coherent urban agenda anchor on decentralization, integrated planning, and local participation.
We are strengthening metropolitan municipal and district assemblies so that governance is brought closer to the people and local authorities are better managed to plan finance, deliver essential services, and others.
Our decentralization reforms are being advanced to promote accountable governance, local economic development, popular participation, climate resilience, inclusion, and innovation.
At the policy level, Ghana has taken important steps to strengthen national framework for sustainable urban development.
We have revised the National Urban Policy and implementation plan to guide inclusive, resilient, well managed urban growth.
Our objective is clear to move from fragmented urban responses to coordinated, data driven, and investment ready urban transformation.
On housing, Garner is acting with agency.
We have introduced the National Home Ownership Fund to expand access to long term blended financing for civil servants and informal sector workers through the Affordable Housing Program, government subsidies, government subsidies for service land and trans infrastructure are reducing delivery costs by up to 40%.
We have also introduced a district housing program that promote local building materials and climate smart construction to ensure affordability while reducing environmental impact.
We are also advancing concrete flagship programs to translate policy into delivery, our local economic development policy and the 24 our market model initiative, six to modernize market infrastructure, reduce congestion, improve sanitation and safety, support women and youth led enterprises, and connect urban planning with jobs and revenue generation.
At the same time, we continue to advance locally led climate adaptation through targeted support to local authorities, enabling communities to invest in resilient building actions that respond directly to their needs.
This reflects our conviction that resilient cities require empowered local government and communities that are trusted, finance, and equipped to lead.
Distined delegates, Garner comes to Baku with simple message.
The implementation of new urban agenda must now be accelerated through stronger local communities, greater access to urban and climate finance, and renewed commitment to adequate housing as a driver of equity, resilience, and prosperity.
We believe that the future of sustainable urbanization depends on partnership.
That are practical, inclusive, and adequately resourced.
Developing communities must therefore developing countries must be supported not only with commitment, but with financing, technology, capacity building, and policy cooperation necessary to deliver at a large scale.
Afghanistan is ready to work with all partners to build inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable cities and communities for present and future generations.
I thank you for your kind attention.
Thank you, Excellency.
Next, I will now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Japan.
Thank you.
Honorable Chairman, Executive Director, Distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen.
I'd like to extend my sincere congratulations on the convening of the 13th World Dragon Forum.
Over the past decade since the adoption of the New Urban Agenda, urbanization has continued to accelerate.
At the same time, the world has faced numerous crises that threaten human settlements, including pandemic, increasing ring influenced and severe natural disasters and growing instability insecurity.
Despite these challenges, Japan has steadily advanced its effort in line with the principles of the New Urban Agenda.
We have worked to ensure access to inclusive and safe housing while promoting sustainable development.
First, Japan has strengthened policy to support vulnerable people, including the elderly, persons with disability, and foreign residents so that everyone can drive safety and security.
Japan has enhanced measures to ensure housing access and provide social support for those in need.
In recent years, disasters have become more severe and frequent.
In response, we have been working improving safety against water related disasters through Vivian infrastructure development and measures that facilitate timely ecapation.
We have also promoted earthquake resistant construction to enhance the overall residence of building.
In areas that have suffered large scale damage, we are pursuing comprehensive reconstruction based on the principle of build bulk data.
Furthermore, in order to realize sustainable cities and national round developments, Japan is promoting the development of network infrastructure, strengthening of function, and encouraging development residency that attract creative human resource to regional area.
Japan has also been sharing its knowledge and experience with countries around the world.
In collaboration with UN habitat, we have been contributing to the resolution of various abundance housing challenges.
We will continue to work together and a strong partnership.
Specifically, Japan will share its advanced technologies and expertise in areas such as disaster risk deduction, post disaster recovery and reconstruction, transit oriented urban development, and provision of affordable affordable housing and space decentralization from overly dense cities to regional areas.
To ensure effective implementation of these at, it is essential to establish f these are accessible for all countries.
Japan will continue to contribute to the operation of such platform in collaboration with UN Habitat.
As part of this initiative, we will host panel discussion during this forum on the theme of sustainable national round and we warmly invite your participation.
Finally, I'd like to highlight that next year, Japan will host Green Equipo 2027 in Yokohama under the theme scenery of the future for happiness.
I sincerely look forward to welcoming you all in Yokohama.
Thank you for your attention.
Ali Kat mas, Your Excellency.
Next, I would like to invite Deputy Minister of Public Works and Transport from Laos People's Democratic Republic.
After that, it will be Liberia.
Laos.
If not, we will try, we will continue to proceed with Deputy Minister of Urban Affairs, Libera.
As both are not here, so we will proceed with Director General Development of Urban from Burning.
Is the Director General here? No.
All right.
If not, next, we would like to invite Director General of the National Office for the Control of Planning and Construction, Bukina Faso.
Thank you.
Dear Secretary-General.
Dear Chairman, distinguished Ministers.
Ladies and gentlemen, I will take the floor on behalf of the Honorable the Hailu Sidibe, Minister of National Construction of Burkina Faso to convey the greetings of the peoples.
We would like to extend our gratitude of our people and also of all of the peoples of the Alliance of the Sahel State and in particular of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso.
Since 2016, the people of this alliance, Burkina Faso, among others, are facing security and humanitarian challenges that affect rural areas as well as urban areas.
This situation makes our efforts even more fragile and endangers our efforts, especially when it comes to the implementation of the new urban agenda adopted in 2016.
Despite this difficult context, my country is engaged in resilient urban areas development by helping with the help of U habitat This way, we were able to create different programs.
The program of reinforcing the territorial resilience, especially in the face of the big displacement of people due to the pandemic.
Many people were displaced from rural areas to urban areas, and we would also like to create measures for people who were displaced to secondary cities in Burkina Faso through our integrated approach.
We also would like to improve living conditions for people and highly vulnerable groups.
Urban infrastructure development is also important for secondary cities because this will stabilize our urban areas.
In the face of our security crisis, We need to reinforce the resilience for our communities.
We will also reinforce three more secondary cities in a very important corridor and we will do through the development of urban mobility.
Socioeconomic displacement is a very big challenge, and we also need to tackle that in terms of urban development.
Then we will also create the five year, implement the five year program.
The name is Faso De Nso for 2024, 2029, with the goal of constructing 50,000 social and affordable housing units across 61 localities nationwide at a total cost of 200 billion francs.
This initiative mobilizes a unique partnership framework, bringing together the government, public and private stakeholders, sectoral concessionaires, technical financial partners.
Ladies and gentlemen, implementation of actions under the new urban agenda requires enormous financial resources.
To this end, Burkina Faso mobilizes financial institutions, microfinance institutions, and also refinancing institutions in order to support household credit worthiness and market liquidity.
In addition, we also like to create more financial access to housing, creating mechanisms for housing, and also promoting social housing solutions in line with the new urban agenda.
At this high level session, we reiterate Burke A Fasos readiness to support habitat in achieving the goal of well being and prosperity for the people of our cities and rural areas in keeping with our shared commitment made upon the adoption of the 2030 agenda, and that is to leave no one behind.
Our commitment is completely linked to this 2030 agenda for sustainable development, especially this principle of leaving no one behind, and it also translates The wish of the president of Burkina Faso.
For whom? Housing is not a luxury but a necessity.
So housing for all is not a luxury but a necessity.
General of Land Management and Urban planning and the Ministry of and Urban Planning from Cambodia.
The floor is yours, Excellency.
Thank you, Excellency, Excellency Minister of Housing of Malaysia and chair of this Roundtable session.
Excellency, ladies and gentlemen, on behalf of the Royal Government of Cambodia and on behalf of our head of delegate, Excellency Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction.
I would like to thank the government of Azerbijan and an Habitat for hosting this very important event, which will definitely contribute to a better world.
Prior to this development Forum 13, the Royal government of Cambodia in cooperation with UN Habitat and the Bord Bank, we have held our third national Urban and Housing Forum in Koppen, the capital city of Cambodia, where we invited all relevant stakeholders to take part in the free and open debate on urban issue and housing situation in Cambodia.
And now the urban and how the new Urban agenda and SDG have been streamlined into policy and practices.
The Royal Government of Cambodia through the Ministry of Land Management, Urban planning and Construction has incorporated the new Urban agenda which was adopted at the United Nation Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development Habitat three in Quito quarter in 2016 and the SDG into its policy and national development program as follows.
First, inclusive and resilient special plan, land use master plan, land use plan.
Inclusive planning that equitably consider benefit for everyone regardless of age, physical condition, gender, or socioeconomic status.
Promoting the preparation and implementation of spat and urban plan across all administrative level, including villages, commune, district, municipality, capital city, and the provinces, especially in sensitive area, and those with high economic potential to ensure a balance between development and conservation.
Urban heat mitigation, addressing rising urban heat by transforming public facilities such as school, Agodas and public institution into green zones and public spaces for gathering or HSI to promote social interaction and well being.
Climate adaptation, equipping and improving urban infrastructure to cope with climate risks associated with aid of technology and digital mapping system to identify prone area in spatial planning.
Resolving informal sement and upgrading deteriorated buildings, implementation of informal settlement upgrading and redevelopment of deteriorated building in city to guarantee safety, enhance aesthetic and maintain public order.
Second, development affordable and social housing, expanding housing supply option, promoting the supply of affordable housing for low to middle income household and to build social housing for the urban poor and the vulnerable group, as well as to introduce affordable rental option to meet the practical needs of students, workers, and migrant.
It also involves reviewing and updating project criteria, ability condition, and administrative procedure to better reflect current socioeconomic reality and enhance implementation efficiency.
Establishing a housing fund, moving toward the creation of an affordable housing fund to provide credit to citizens for home purchases and to investment company for constructing affordable housing projects.
Public private partnership, promoting stronger collaboration between state institution, development partners, non governmental organization, financial institution, and the private sector to increase housing supply and improve affordability.
Implementation of social land consion program, strengthening the provision of land concession to landless and poor family, vulnerable group, and retired civil servant to improve access to adequate housing, ensure the security of land tenure, and support sustainable livelihood.
Third, and final, land admision and strengthening investment confidence, completion of land registration and dispute resolution, accelerating the completion of national and registration, particularly in urban areas, and continued resolution of real estate issues.
The result of the effort will definitely contribute to guide the increasing competitive land use and to great the confidence and the attractiveness of the investment environment in Cambodia as a whole.
Thank you, Mr.
Chair.
Thank you, Excellency, sitting with you delegates, as I have to attend the world Congress of the local and regional government leaders, I would like to hand over the patent to former Executive Director of UN Habitat Excellency is doctor Mayuna Sharif to continue chairing this ministerial sitting.
Your cooperation and understanding is highly appreciated.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Next, N Okay.
Thank you very much, President of UN Habitat Assembly.
Very good afternoon, Excellency, honorable Minister.
The presidents of the habitat Assembly said that I'm Amahashar and a former Executive Director of UN Habitat 2018-2024.
I'm now the advisor on sustainable urban development to the government of Malaysia.
So I was given the task to continue this roundtable, and I would like to call upon Deputy Minister of Public Works and Transport Laud People's Democratic Republic.
Yeah.
Thank you.
Excellency, Chist delegation, on behalf of Ministry of Public Works and Transport, of PDR.
It is my pleasure to welcome you today.
I would like to thank SCAP, the UN Habitat Unicef Habitat for Humanity.
This one.
This one.
Yes.
Yes.
Excellency, LDR is taking stronger step to build cities that are more resilient, inclusive and sustainable.
We are building climate risk into our urban planning.
Advancing our national adaptation plan and contributing to NDC three, and we are prioritizing investment into resilient infrastructure, especially in small and secondary tile where the risks are placed.
Our goment is the committees to taking focus and arisening our work with global urban agendas.
In 2023, LPR is first country in the Asean Pacific region to submit its national report on new urban agenda.
Last year, we submit our second report, continuing to lead by example.
Through strong partnership, including with UN habitat, we are already seeing res, climate resilient housing, better water supply, and strong local ability to prepare for Lisbon to disaster.
We are also investing in nature based solution, wetland and other ecosystem are not just en to assets.
They are essential infrastructure for managing flat and building leasing Excellency, to scape this week, we need sustained investment, accessible finance and stronger technical capacity, especially for the least development countries facing rapid urbanization and acing climate risk.
Ladies and gentlemen, The choice we make today, we decide whether our cities become center of the or engine or resilient.
La is choosing resilient and we invite our partner to move forward with same urgency and ambition.
Thank you.
Thank you so much, Excellency.
Now, may I invite the Director Minister of Climate from Estonia, please.
Thank you.
Dear Excellencies, honorable delegates.
Estonia is a small but ambitious nation.
Our cities are laboratories for digital innovation, green transition, and inclusive planning.
Safe cities are a personal priority.
My first child is celebrating his 7-year-old birthday today and he's welcome to walk or ride to school in four months by himself like all other kids in Estonia.
This is how we could measure the good urban development all across the world.
As an active participant in the New European Bahouse Initiative, Estonia embodies the convergence of sustainability, aesthetics, and inclusion in our built environment.
The global dimension of the new European Bahouse aligns perfectly with the universal ambitions of the new urban agenda.
We strongly welcome the renewed greener cities partnership between the United Nations Environmental Program and UN Habitat.
It is precisely the kind of integrated multilateral response that the triple planetary crisis demands.
Estonia is ready to engage actively in this partnership.
Circular economy is central to achieving the European Union's 2050 climate neutrality targets, and this must be equally central to global urban planning as well.
Estonia supports nature based solutions, efficient resource use, and the transformation of our building stock through renovation rather than demolition.
Approaches that reduce emissions, resource dependence, And restore urban ecosystems.
We also recognize that creativity, innovation, and community engagement are needed for compact but also biodiverse urban development.
Smart solutions are needed by well trained experts.
However, scaling and speeding up high quality urban development is only possible with digital tools, increasingly artificial intelligence.
In Estonia, building permitting and zona planning is completely digital and transparent.
Sadly, there is unprecedented devastation of urban spaces, lives and families from Russia's unprovoked military aggression against Ukraine.
Therefore, Estonia values highly that the new European Bauhaus has demonstrated its global relevance through continuous tangible support for the sustainable and inclusive reconstruction of Ukraine.
On financing, we support the development of a robust joint UNEP UN Habitat project pipeline and call on all partners to reduce fragmentation and maximize co investment.
Estonia is committed to contributing to this effort, together with European wide initiatives.
The delegates, let us together rethink, renovate, and rebuild the cities that are resilient and safe for everybody.
We wholeheartedly support the new urban agenda.
Thank you for your attention.
Thank you so much, Excellency.
Now, may I invite the Joint Secretary Director General Housing for All India, please.
Honorable Chair, Dear Excellencies, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen.
At the outset, I extend my sincere appreciation to Republic of Azerbijan and UN Habitat for convening the 13th session of World Urban Forum.
This forum resonates deeply with India's enduring philosophy of Vasuha Putumm one Earth, one family, one future, reinforcing our collective commitment to inclusive, resilient, and sustainable urbanization.
NDI stands at a defining moment in its urban transformation.
Over the next 2.5 decades, one of the world's largest and most complex urban systems consisting of 500 million citizens will evolve to meet the needs and aspiration of nearly 1 billion urban residents.
This transition presents challenges of unprecedented scale, but also historic opportunities to advance inclusive, resilient, and sustainable development.
Excellency, we believe that housing is not merely a sectoral priority.
It is the foundation of social inclusion, economic opportunity, and climate resilience and a critical driver of achieving sustainable development goals.
Thus, India's approach to urbanization is anchored in the principles of new urban agenda.
Excellencies, over the past decade, India has been at the forefront through our citizen centric and mission driven approach.
We are implementing large scale and integrated program of affordable housing, inclusive infrastructure, water sanitation, climate adaptation and mitigation, digital public infrastructure, renewable energy, circular economy practices, and sustainable livelihood.
The three Aws Una Urban stands out as flagship example of our effective institutional delivery aimed at fulfilling housing for all.
With over 12 million sanctioned houses and 90% of them allotted to women, the mission is transforming the lives of millions and advancing both SDG five and SDG 11.
PMAY 2.0 further builds upon foundation of robust planning, cooperative federalism, and digital governance tools to ensure transparency and accountability.
The program focuses on ecosystem based urban planning solutions and sustainable rental models.
Excellencies and distinguished delegates.
Approximately 100,000 rental housing units have been sanctioned to support urban residents and workers under housing for all mission.
Close to 8 million street vendors have been integrated into formal finance through PM 28.
Nearly 1.5 million individuals have received skill training under our National Urban livelihood Mission.
Over 100 kilometers of metro rail networks in enhancing mobility and productivity across major cities.
Further, digital public infrastructure is transforming urban governance and online building provision, GIS based planning, transparent property taxation, and ubiquitous UPI payment systems.
The recently launched Urban challenge fund represents a shift to market linked, reform driven and outcome oriented urban planning with central assistance of close to $10 billion, it is designed to catalyze nearly 40 billion of investment through PPP.
NDI is advancing now sustainable urban systems under new urban agenda with the help of our Technology and Innovation submission of housing for all.
This promotes green and innovative construction technology practices.
The Umbrth Mission focuses on water security and circularity.
The Swatch Hearth mission has improved waste processing to the extent of 80% of waste generated.
Our mission life promotes sustainable lifestyles and behavioral change as a cornerstone of climate action.
Climate resilient urban planning and nature based solutions will remain conclude excellency central to our effort.
Thus, we acknowledge that global commitments require collective action to strengthen multilateralism and enhance South South cooperation, which are crucial to addressing challenges the world is facing.
As India advances towards national vision of resilient and inclusive developed nation by 2047, we understand that the scale of India's urban transformation has significant implications beyond our borders and can contribute meaningfully to shape global urban outcomes.
Therefore, Excellency, NDI is committed to learn from global best practices while sharing our experiences and scalable solutions.
Thank you.
Thank you so much.
Now, may I invite Director General of the local and regional development director Iraq to deliver your statement, please.
3 minutes here.
We apologize, actually, due to our delegation being unable to attend.
Thank you.
Okay.
Thank you.
Now, may I invite Ambassador Ok Kuwait to Azerbaijan to deliver your statement.
Kuwait.
Kuwait.
Azerbaijan.
Go, please.
No speech.
Thank you.
No.
Okay.
Thank you.
Now, may I invite the ambassador of Algeia please deliver your statement.
Thank you, J.
Thank you.
Madam Chair.
Thank you.
Thank you so much, Madam Chair.
And the names compassionate.
The Minister of the Urban Planning and Settlements for Azerbijan, Your Exceny the Secretary-General of UN Habitat.
Your Excellency's delegations, respectful attendees, ladies and gentlemen.
It's with great pleasure to be here in such an elite gathering in such critical time where our world is getting towards a very critical status for the urban.
I'd like to firstly express our gratitude to Azerbijan government and people for the well organized of the 13 Wolf.
In B.
I would also like to use this opportunity to showcase the significance role by you inhabited under the supervision of miss Aclasiasb for enhancing for the urbanizing plans and policies.
Our meeting today has its strategic significance since this certain session has been conducted within the critical phase where the whole world tries to overcome the accelerated repercussions of the climate change.
Since it comes right after one month of the successful conduction of the second session of the African Urban session in Nairubi, Kenya.
Emerging from this point, I'd like to say that 13 represents the most appropriate, significant portal for the African status show in case the priorities that have been stated on the level of the African urban session to the world.
Aga would like to seize this opportunity to reiterate on our commitment towards the new urban agenda precise speaking, the SDG 11.
Since we do believe that this session is a critical phase to showcase the achievements that we all approach towards the NOA that's been endorsed through the habitat third meeting.
I would like to showcase our national report towards what we have achieved in light of the new urban agenda that will absolutely contribute and sharing the output of the meeting which is scheduled to take place in New York 2026 to review the midterm report of the New Urban Agenda.
Ladies and gentlemen, emerging from the spirit of commitment and our responsibility.
We have been in Algeria under the leadership of his deny, President Abdel Mejid DeBon to upgrade the cities and to put it as one of our strategic goals and priorities.
This has been achieved through adoption of inclusive and comprehensive approach to have resilient cities and to have application for the national mechanism towards sustainable urbanization.
And this comes as one of the critical stones towards our vision since our state has been working relentlessly to improve the well being through conducting lots of different models of housing projects, targeting all different communities, categories, and to work on going beyond the slums and informal sediments and to minimize the rural displacements.
And Since 2025, we have got tangible results, including delivering more than 2,100 units and launch in more than 100 million housing on the social level, and we've got the resettlement programs that has helped to have an end to the informal *****.
Meanwhile, Algeria has got different urban projects through working on the logistical corridors and transportation networks and to have the proper tools towards the urban projects.
And to track all the challenges that we have faced in that aspect, the government has put a road map, and that's through the National action plan, which comes in line with the five year plan 2029 that works in line with all of the guidelines of his excellency, the president, where we merge all the current challenges for the water security, and digital transformation for cities and to make sure that we will deliver additional 2 million housing units.
And furthermore, to make sure that by end of 2026, we will make sure that all of those targets have been delivered to the P conclude your meeting.
Just one or 2 minutes.
Thank you.
Thank you, Madam Chair.
Within these dynamic activities, Algeria has managed also to make sure that we need to have amendments to the laws that make sure that we can have affordable housing Number ten for 2010 that has set the role for these legislations, to make sure that we can have the social and subsidized housing.
Meanwhile, we have got other laws for housing savings to make sure that we can have direct subsidies provided by the government.
From $5,000 to 7,000 USD, especially for the different rural initiatives.
All of those efforts come in line with mitigating the high prices of the houses to almost 95% decreased rates and interest rates through the funds that have been established to make sure that we can attain these goals.
All of those projects come in line with initiatives.
Li.
Sure.
So for the strategic program that we have for the capital that's being launched in 2024 comes also as the main compass.
We have four main practical plans.
We have the blue one, the yellow one, and also we have the white alongside with the final road map, which is the green one, to have the eco friendly.
Ladies and gentlemen, the Algerian experience proves that to have holistic approach that can cover all of the different dimensions, becomes critical and no more a luxury.
We can have the real driver to make sustainable changes and developments.
Again, this comes as a result of our understanding and readiness to take part more effectively and to share the best practices within the spirit of cooperation.
I would like also to reiterate that we are open to work collectively with all of our partners in light of the UN Habitat project to have sustainable future resilient, safe to all of our generations.
Thank you.
Very long Excellency, 5 minutes.
Now, I would like to give the floor to the Minister of Housing and Urban Planning of Bahrain, please.
Is.
Your Excellcy's distinguished attendees, ladies and gentlemen, in the name of God, I'd like to deliver the greetings of King Hahamad Bin Khalifa, the King of Bahrain and Prince Salman Bin Hammad, the Prime Minister.
And we would like to express our sincere wishes to all of you.
Ladies and gentlemen, our meeting today comes within the critical stage where we have 2.8 billion people in inadequate conditions, which call for enhanced international cooperation and to have innovative sustainable plans that can make sure that everyone can get the rights.
And since we believe that the adequate housing comes as the critical stone for security for the security of our communities, which is in line of our economic vision 2030 and also the government program and to put this in place, Bahrain has got a holistic approach, which is based on regeneration of cities within the National plan aims at implementing on the ground the guidelines of the king of Bahrain, especially for the low income households.
Those projects that focus on making sure that we have all of the capacities and accessibility, which comes in line with the SDG 11.
Meanwhile, in Bahrain, we work in parallel to enhance partnership projects, the Triple P, to make sure that we have robust inative solutions, meanwhile, to make sure that real estate developers will supply affordable houses.
Ladies and gentlemen, the concept of resilient cities goes beyond the housing and the environmental challenges.
It should be ready to deal with any emergencies in that aspect, Bahrain and the Gulf Cooperation Councils.
Recently, were recently subjected to unlawful Iranian attacks targeting residential areas, resulting in damage to a number of citizens' homes.
In addition to infrastructure services.
The kingdom demonstrated exceptional capacity for immediate response as work began at once to address the damage inflicted on the homes and properies while providing alternative housing for the most affected cases, with the government bearing the full cost of repairs, thereby ensuring the sustainability of social stability and the swift return of citizens to their homes.
And such experience confirms that building resilient cities comes as strategic must for secluding communities and enhancing their resilience to face all unprecedented events.
In conclusion, the Kingdom of Bahrain renews its commitment to continuing the development of its policies related to the housing, urban planning, and infrastructure sectors and to strengthen its international partnership to make sure that we have more sustainable, inclusive cities for the future generations.
Thank you.
Thank you so much, S for putting up to the time.
Thank you so much.
And now I would like to give the floor to the Minister of Public Works, Housing and Urban Planning of Guinea Bissau.
Good morning.
I wanted to start by thanking the Assembly and also thanking the government of Azerbaijan for inviting us here.
And also the delegation of Vine Isa for being here.
I want to present my point of view about the implementation of the global agenda in my country that defines two actions, two main actions from which the first one is focused on the support that we've received from the UN habitat in infrastructure and legislation of my country that really focus on the elaboration of a new plan, urbanistic plan, and and the elaboration of city plans in the interior of the country that are going to allow to control and organize the urban strategy, that is the agenda that we are willing to follow.
At the level of concrete and specific actions, we have the support for the construction of new housing inside the framework of inclusive cities.
And that's why we are creating a new program of reconstruction of the squares in the capital and interior of the country.
The government also has their own actions to promote the urban housing at a huge scale.
And within this program, we have the creation of big constructions, big infrastructure of construction, and water cleaning, also promoting the green areas and constructing new houses to respond to the needs of our inhabitants and to ense the life quality of our people.
I think that this program from Guinea Visa and within the support of the institution, UN Habitat, has been promoting the quality qualities that have proven results in our cities.
Referring to urbanistic terms and promotion of the green spaces.
That's why I wanted to thank the inhabited program, as well as the support of the UN that has helped us to promote the urban agenda.
Thank you very much.
Thank you so much, Ece Lindsay.
Now I would like to invite the Chief International Advisor to the Minister of Cities Brazil.
Please take the floor.
Thank you, Madam Chair.
I would like to recognize Mr.
Anar Gliv, Chairman of Spa and national coordinator of Wolf 13 and to thank through him, the government and people of Azerbijan for their generous hospitality.
But this second Wolf, under the leadership of Under Secretary-General and Executive Director Anna Claudia Rosbach, I wish to reaffirm Brazil's commitment to her work in strengthening the global urban agenda.
Excellent witnesses, distinguished delegates, colleagues and friends.
Access to adequate housing is a right that lies at the heart of dignity, security, opportunity, and inclusion.
Brazil reaffirms its steadfast commitment to the 2030 agenda for sustainable development to SDG 11 and to the implementation of the new urban agenda.
For us, housing is also the foundation of more resilient, sustainable, and democratic cities.
Brazil still faces profound housing challenges that disproportionately affect low income populations, especially households headed by women.
This reminds us that housing is inseparable from social justice, racial justice, and gender justice and that behind every figure, there are lives and families in need of protection and opportunity.
In recent years, Brazil has resumed and expanded structural public policies to address this reality.
The Min Caza Mia Vida program, the largest housing initiative in Brazil's history, was relaunched in 2023 and has already reached more than 2 million new homes, going on 3 million by the end of this year.
The program was redesigned to promote urban quality, sustainability, and social inclusion.
Today, 85% of beneficiaries are from low income households.
Another central priority for Brazil is the development of housing solutions for regions affected by climate events which are increasingly frequent and intense.
While informal settlements in Brazil reflect the enduring legacy of racism, discrimination, and inequality, these communities are also spaces of organizational resilience and collective responses to urban challenges.
For Brazil, combating urban inequality means reducing vulnerability and affirming rights.
The Perera Viva program, for instance, which was launched in 2024, promotes LM upgrading, basic urban services, housing improvements, land regularization, and stronger public services.
Last year, one year after Cop 29 was held in this beautiful capital of Azerbijan, we hosted Cop 30 in the heart of the Brazilian Amazon in Belen.
This carries profound significance as 87% of population in Brazil lives in urban areas, but 70% of those living in the Brazilian Amazon reside in those urban areas as well.
This reinforces the urgency of advancing climate justice and urban justice together.
The Amazon is central to global climate balance, but it also calls upon us to imagine and build development models capable of reconciling prosperity Environmental protection, human dignity, and hope.
The impacts of the climate emergency fall heavily on the most vulnerable.
That's why Brazil has placed climate justice at the center of its climate plan with mitigation and adaptation targets through 2035 and why we view climate adaptation as a central dimension of urban policy and territorial planning.
Over the last few years, Brazil has also restored social participation mechanisms that are central to the work of the Ministry of cities, such as population action plans.
Public governance is strengthened when people participate in the design, implementation, and evaluation of policies.
No meaningful urban transformation can be sustained without cooperation.
It is therefore essential to strengthen coordination among different levels of governments, universities, civil society, communities, and local actors while expanding institutional capacities and sharing good practices.
Brazil believes that cooperation among governments, institutions, and societies as well as the exchange of experiences among countries is indispensable to building cities that are more humane, inclusive, resilient, and prepared for the future.
Above all, Brazil believes that this is a shared challenge and for that very reason, a shared opportunity to transform our cities into space of dignity, belonging, hope, and a better life for all.
Thank you very much.
Thank you, Michael Hutcheson.
Now, I would like to call upon Bulgaria to be the statement will be delivered by the Ambassador, extraordinary and Ple Plepotentiary of the Republic of Bulgaria to the Republic of Azerbijan.
Please, Bulgaria.
Thank you, Madam Chair.
Distinguished ministers, excellences, ladies and gentlemen.
Ten years after adoption of the new urban agenda, sustainable urban development and access to the adequate housing remain among the key challenges for our society.
In this context, Bulgaria has consistently implemented the principle of the new urban agenda in close alignment with the EU acquisition policy and the National Strategic Planning framework.
We have achieved substantial progress through integrated territorial approaches and instruments such as integrated territorial investments, which allow us to combine different founding source in coordinated manner.
Strategic documents such as the National special Development concept and the integrated municipal development plans have strengthening the link between special planning and socioeconomic priorities.
A major priority has been the sustainable regeration of the urban environment and the improvement of housing condition.
Bulgaria has focused strongly on renovating the existing housing stocks, particularly through large scale energy efficiency program that reduce energy poverty and improve quality of life.
Nearly 2000 multifamily residential buildings have already been renovated under the National Energy Efficiency Program, covering more than 130,000 dwellings.
Additional projects are currently implemented under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan.
D's experience clearly demonstrate that investment in the housing is a key driver of urban transformation and social resilience.
At the same time, Bulgaria continues to face challenges relate to energy poverty and access to affordable housing, especially for vulnerable group.
In response, we are developing long term policies, including a national building renovation plan.
Up to 2050, and the new national housing strategy with a strong focus of support for energy poor housing holds and improved access to financing.
Looking ahead to the next decade, we believe several priorities are essential accelerating building renovation through sustainable and action instruments, pic affordable housing in the center of the urban policies, strengthening the links between housing and urban planning and enhancing the capacity of local authorities.
We are convincing that achieving the goals of the new Urban agenda requires housing policy to remain in the center of the global agenda as a key driver of social resilience, economic development, and climate transformation.
Thank you for your attention.
Thank you so much, Excellency.
Now, may I invite Burundi to deliver a statement.
Madam.
Thank you very much, Madam Chair.
Your Excellency' ministers, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen, please allow me to thank the government from the government of Burundi to the government of Azerbijan for organizing this World Urban Forum in its 13th session.
I would also like to thank UN Habitat for its continuous commitment for the new urban agenda and also for the effort it shows in creating inclusive, resilient, and safe cities.
Your Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, the subject of today's of this forum, creating housing for all.
Reflects challenges that we are all being faced with social inequality, as well as the climate change consequences.
This is also part of the new urban agenda decided in Fit.
This will allow us to better evaluate our progress and also see what the challenges are and renew our commitment in favor of the implementation of the new urban agenda for the next decade.
The Hi Excellence President of Burundi welcomed this new urban agenda that is completely in line with our vision and our ambition to build inclusive cities that are resilient and that generate opportunities for all parts of society.
Housing ensures stability, national cohesion, economic viability.
For that, we have decided upon different reforms.
First one, changing housing policy by including in it among others, social housing.
Two, the development of social housing accessible to low income households.
Third, the modernization of the urban planning and the land use.
The improvement of basic urban services.
Furthermore, the promotion of local resources and sustainable building methods, and also reinforcing CTs resilience in the face of climate change.
For doing this in 2040, we will be able to create resilient CTs.
And achieve 40% of urbanization, 40% of urbanization up to 2040 with sustainable and resilient cities.
We have already spoken about the challenges, a deficit in affordable housing that comes also with not having enough infrastructure and not having the opportunity to create such projects.
However, Burundi reinforces the importance of cooperation of the exchange of good practices and the use of innovative financing practices in order to facilitate the implementation of the new urban agenda in the following years.
Your Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, Burundi reaffirms its commitment and contributing to the implementation of the New Urban Agenda objectives, as well as other such objectives by 2030.
Therefore, the government of Burundi invites all people to act so that the recommendations from this forum do not only stay at words that they become actions.
Therefore, we will be able to help present and future generations.
I thank you for your attention.
Thank you.
Eeny.
Thank you.
Now, may I invite Cameroon I'm going to be the ambassador is going to deliver the statement.
Cameron.
Thank you, Madam Chair.
It's good to see you again.
Excellency distinguished guests.
I deliver this statement on behalf of the Minister of Housing and Urban Development of Cameroon, Honorable Minister Celestine Kucha Cortes, who is unavoidably absent this morning.
At the outset, the delegation wishes to thank the government of Azerbijan and UN Habitat for organizing Woof 13.
With regards to the new Urban agenda, the government of the Republic of Cameroon, His Excellency, President Po Bier, architect of the seven year term of Great Hope, by endorsing the implementation of a new Urban agenda in 2016, demonstrated its transformative commitment to safe, inclusive, and resilient cities and communities.
This clear commitment by the Head of State has been uniquely reflected in the choice of decentralization as a governance model, the adoption of a national housing policy in 2018, and in 2020, a national development strategy code name SND 30 aligned with the SDGs and dedicating a program to the modernization of cities.
Indeed, Cameroon, which is currently conducting its fourth general population and housing census to better plan development and take the demographic dividends into account in policy making shows a poverty rate that has been declining over the years with an upward trend.
Excuse me, with an upward trend, and also regarding school enrollment rates, clean energy consumption, women's empowerment, the number of low income house owners as benefits of those projects, the availability of urban roads, public spaces, and jobs for the youth.
The voluntary national reports produced and published every two years document this progress and the ongoing efforts to strengthen urban rural linkages and improve traffic flow in urban areas.
To increase the supply of decent and inclusive housing, eliminate substantial substandard housing, revitalize urban centers, and develop the urban economy.
The implementation of these various areas of action under the New Urban Agenda is based on the public private population partnership featuring multi stakeholders, consultations and institutional arrangements aimed at inclusive participation, better coordination of urban interventions, and more efficient procedures.
Your Excellencies, for the next ten years, Cameroon, grateful for the support of our partners, including UN habitat, continues to count on them to accelerate the localization of the SDGs at the level and at all levels and is committed in particular to pursuing initiatives related to inclusive urban planning, reforms to promote state guaranteed access to land, the industrialization of the production chain for affordable housing using sustainable materials.
Innovations in urban financing, smart management of sustainable mobility infrastructure, and solid waste, strengthening innovation partnerships, and the open data system for monitoring and evaluating urban indicators with the aim of establishing a national model for promoting peace and prosperity among the people in line with the ideals of the Head of State, His Excellency Paul Bill.
Cameroon Africa miniature, I'm proud of its balanced urban structure intends to launch the first conference of ministers responsible for urban planning in the Central African sub region to rethink, harmonize, and make more applicable instruments for joint space planning and the coordinated implementation of urbanization and the development projects, and L Thank you for your attention.
Excellency.
Thank you.
Now, I would like to call upon Colombia and the statement will be delivered by the ambassador and the permanent representative to UN Habitat, Embassy of Colombia to the Republic of Kenya.
Please, Excellency, is yours.
Thank you, Madam Chair.
Seven ministers, distinguished delegates.
Please receive warm greetings from our President, Gustavo Petro, our Minister Helga Maria Rivas, and our acting Minister Ade Vo.
Under the government of Colombia, the government of change, Colombia unite around our biodiverse habitat.
We are the heartbeat of habitat, the pools of a country where life flourishes through the environmental, social, and cultural biodiversity that define us.
In recent years, Colombia has advanced in the implementation of the new urban agenda through a public policy known as our biodiverse habitat, an institutional commitment that recognizes habitat as a collective fabric of life, built together with communities and oriented to our social and environmental justice.
Throughout our regulatory frameworks, comprehensive technical assistance, and our institutional portfolio of programs and projects, we contribute to the recognition of popular habitat and community organizations in order to advance social justice and facilitate the adaptation of urban and rural territories to climate variability and climate change.
We promote territorial planning center around water, water as a common good, water as dignity.
We manage this common good in collaboration with territorial governments and we have the active participation of organized communities throughout diverse solutions that facilitate access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation, strengthen food security, and give life to programs such as zero waste to a circular economy.
We contribute to the well being of Colombians and immigrant populations throughout different housing solutions aimed at reducing both the quantitative and the qualitative housing deficit.
We engage in dialogue, consensus building, and collective action alongside organized communities in order to strengthen their capacities, territorial development, and peace in harmony with their knowledge systems while recognizing and respecting their culture, wisdom, and environment.
Our approach recognized organized communities as autonomous actors and leading protagonists throughout the process of territorial transformation.
Ecosystems are our life.
For this reason, we invite ministries around the world to build habitat throughout the recognition of popular habitat and to view informal settlement as social fabrics where all dimensions of humanity and life unfold.
We also believe that the new urban agenda must be reimagined in light of current challenges as a broader habitat agenda.
We believe in a renewed habitat agenda that includes rurality, water, and energy as common goods.
The next ten years demand that we understand habitat as an ecosystem of opportunities, social cohecion, care for life.
Our government has made the decision to focus its efforts on reducing the qualitative housing deficit, recognizing that public policy has historically overlooked self but urban and real communities where this deficit is even greater.
We must look more deeply at the relationship between cities and rural areas, strengthen the autonomy of territories in generating their own solutions and consolidate more robust financing and international cooperation mechanisms for middle income countries that continue to face profound urban and rural inequalities.
In response, we have developed new financing pathways and instruments that combine grants and multilateral banking.
Colombia calls for continued strengthening of technical, triangular and South South Cooperation Alliance in order to advance jointly towards fulfillment of the 2030 agenda and the sustainable development goals.
Because transforming habitat also means transforming our relationship with life, with water, with nature, and with communities.
Thank you very much.
Thank you so much Excellency.
Now, may I invite the Eritrea the statement to be delivered by the ambassador of the State of Eritrea.
Please, sir.
Dear Madam Chair and former AD of Fen Habitat.
Dear Madam Claudia, Ed of Fen Habitat, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, all protocol observed.
Eritrea joins other speakers to express its gratitude to the government of Azerbijan and UN habitat for hosting wolf 13 in this beautiful city of Baku.
As You Excellencies will agree with me, cities and rural areas must develop together, not at each other's expense.
Urbanization in Africa is accelerating.
Moreover, if we focus only on capitals and ignore towns, villages, and farming communities, we risk fostering inequality, migration, and marginalization.
In a nutsll, not habitable homes, but informal settings and slums for the majority.
Redress approach is integrated urban, rural development.
Connecting people through roads, energy, and water systems, decentralizing services to secondary towns in rural areas, linking production to markets via cooperatives, agro processsing and manufacturing plants.
In this regard, we welcome Azerbaijan showcase of Karabakh and Eastern Zang reconstruction.
Eritrea has similar experience rebuilding towns and services, including in rural and agricultural areas.
The lesson is clear, successful reconstruction restores the link between towns and rural communities.
In this context, Eritrea welcomes the launch of the Smart Sustainable Settlements for Safe Return package for SRP solutions Initiative, led by Skua, UN Habitat, IOM, and Baku Climate and Peace action.
We its aim to develop voluntary guidelines for standardized climate resilient and peace positive reconstruction in fragile and post conflict settings.
We call for a working group to take this forward and for easier access to climate and development finance for this project so that they can be presented as concrete outcomes at roof 14.
This approach requires substrive finance.
We support the Africa groups core, for a first loss guarantee mechanism and reform of credit ratings.
Madam Chair, the new urban agenda with the house in the world will only succeed if it reaches villages and communities and not just mega cities.
Let Baku be the moment we commit to financing and partnerships that connect, not divide our communities.
I thank you.
Thank you so much, Excellency.
Now, I would like to invite France the statement to be delivered by Ambassador of France to Azerbaijan.
Please, Excellency, the floor is yours.
Mr.
Ministers, ladies and gentlemen, dear delegates.
First of all, I would like to thank the Republic of Azerbaijan for once again welcoming the world for this very important event.
The report conveyed by Franci last December shows that globally we had an improvement of the implementation of the new urban agenda thanks to policies very important around renovation, social aspects, mobility, and ecological transition.
However, there is huge differences between the territories, especially when the areas that are the most vulnerable.
Today's priorities in France for this new urban agenda, we are focusing with the climate resiliency for cities, mobility, and improvement of local governance.
The consultation in Europe for this new urban agenda allowed us to establish a common decision for supporting the process, but still we are lacking a lack of commitment.
Some of the European members decided to focus on housing and climate adaptation and reinforcing the local institution at regional level.
They also call for the better implementation of the roles of new technologies, AI, and using data in a human rights based approach with an ethical approach.
France is active with UN habitat to reach these objectives new urban agenda, especially for the unaffordable housing with the different cooperation.
With our presidency, supporting the working group around affordable housing, founding with 40,000 million euros for the platform of knowledge about the UN habitat to allow the partner countries to adopt concrete solutions that are operational, supporting and funding 250,000 euros for HB habitat in Paris.
Within the end of the year, this office will value the know how in France and Europe and to behave as a platform for cooperation for the collectivities for searchers and practitioners.
Finally, we will develop French expertise on sustainable development.
All these tools are within the framework of the Bell that calls for continuing this effort for affordable housing and to support the enforcement of the housing aspect of human habitat for 26 2030.
In general, France, since 2019 used 3.1 billion euros for the sustainable development and one for urban housing 400 million in Africa, millions in Africa, in Asia and Caribbeans, Asian Pacific, for poor neighborhood rehabilitation, rebuilding in coasting area.
France is available for all of its partners to share their expertise through the Sustainable Housing Initiative of FDA.
Thank you for your attention.
Thank you, Excellency.
Now, Indonesia, may I invite Ambassador of Republic of Indonesia to the Republic of Azerbijan to deliver the statement.
Please, Excellency.
Thank you, Madam Chair.
Distinguished delegates, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen.
We express our appreciation to the inhabitat for the excellent arrangement for this forum and to the government of Azerbijan for their warm hospitality extended to Indonesian delegation.
As the world's largest archipelo country, Indonesia recognizes urbanization as a key driver of national development to be guided in line with the principle of the new urban agenda.
The agenda has been mainstreamed into our national Urban policy and the national medium term Development P 2025, 2029, as well as our development priorities under IS CTA in line with SDG 11.
Indonesia has made steady progress in advancing inclusive sustainable urban development.
Urban green space continues to expand.
Supported by spatial planning reforms, the Indonesian Green Blue Index contributes to increase green space per capita.
Access to basic services is improving, while slum upgrading programs have reached over 359,000 hectars.
Housing remains central to our approach through strengthen permitting system and partnership with private sector.
Indonesia is accelerating development of vertical housing integrated with transit oriented development, helping to reduce carbon emission while ensuring affordability.
Indonesia is also advancing climate action through a climate responsive budgeting, zoning and adaptive building standards.
Green building practices such as passive cooling, natural ventilation and energy efficient system are promoted under the Green Building Roadmap 2030.
Smart building technology are also being adopted to enhance energy performance, supporting Indonesia's commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 31.89% to 43.20% by 2030.
As highlighted in Initial Second National Report on the new urban agenda, climate change is defining challenges for our urban future.
The building sector, accounting for nearly one third for national electricity use is a key focus.
Indonesia affirms its commitment to develop cities which held no one and no place to be left behind.
Indonesia therefore sees for priorities for collective action, expanding access to adequate and affordable housing, investing in resilience and low carbon infrastructure, strengthening multilayer governance and the partnership and the scaling up innovation.
And knowledge exchange among cities and countries.
We encourage national urban forums, as well as support south south and triangular cooperation, allowing peer learning across stakeholders.
We look forward to a productive and substantive forum that advances our collective efforts in implementing the new urban agenda.
Thank you.
Thank you so much.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you so much, Excellency.
Now, I would like to invite Hungary to deliver your statement, please, Hungary.
Honorable Madam Chairman, distinguished Ministers, Excellencies, dear participants.
First of all, allow me to join previous speakers in congratulating you and habitat and the Republic of Azerbijan for convening this important event today in Braku bringing together tens of thousands of committed politicians, policymakers, experts, as well as several other partners from around the world.
Holding World Urban Forum in Baku today is a recognition of Azerbijan as an important member of the international community.
Dear participants, ten years ago, the international community adopted the new urban agenda with a bold vision to identify and implement environmentally sustainable and resilient urban development models that ensure safety, social inclusion, equal opportunities for all.
Today, as we reflect on a decade of the agenda's ambitious commitments, we must not only recognize meaningful progress, but also urgent tasks ahead.
Over the last ten years, the new urban agenda has helped place the issue of sustainable urbanization at the center of global development.
Many countries have strengthened their expertise, created urban policies, expanded climate resilient planning, and invested into public transport or digital infrastructure.
National and local level leaderships across the regions have embraced more participatory planning processes and acknowledged the importance of integrated urban development.
Yet, despite the progress in many aspects, the housing crisis has deepened in many parts of the world.
Access to adequate, affordable and safe housing remains out of reach for billions of people around the world.
Therefore, housing must no longer be considered as a social issue.
It is a defining economic, environmental, and political challenge of our times.
The reality is clear, we cannot achieve sustainable urban development without addressing housing at the center of the urban agenda.
The next decade must therefore become a decade of delivery.
As we look forward to the high level meeting of the United Nations General Assembly during 2026 high level political forum, this midterm review of WV 13 in Baku offers an important opportunity to renew political commitment and accelerate implementation.
Dear participants, let us therefore use this moment not only to reflect on the past ten years, but to build the foundation for more inclusive, resilient, and equitable cities over the next ten years.
Once again, on behalf of Hungary, allow me to sincerely thank you and habitat, as well as the Republic of Azerbijan for the opportunity, not less the hospitality, and to congratulate for the professional organization of this important session of the World Urban Forum.
Thank you very much.
I wish you successful discussions.
Thank you so much, Excensy.
Now, may I invite Jordan The statement will be delivered by the ambassador of the Hasma Kingdom of Jordan to the Republic of Azerbaijan.
Thank you.
His Excellency.
Thank you, ma'am.
Abs.
In the name of God, the most gracious, the most merciful Excellencies, Ministers, Your Excellencies, it's my honor to deputize for His Excellency Engineer Meher our Asanman Minister of Public Works and housing and delivering a statement of the Hashemit Kingdom of Jordan, I'd like at the outset to extend our sincere appreciation and gratitude to the friendly government of the Republic of Azerbijan for hosting the 13th session of Wolf in the Capital Baku and for the excellent organization and preparation of this important international event.
I also wish to commend the close cooperation with the United Nations Human Settlement Program, and preparing this forum which represents a high level of a global platform for discussing housing, urbanization and sustainable development issues.
We also express our deep appreciation for the program's efforts in supporting a joint international action.
Dear friends, this meeting takes place am rapidly evolving and complex global context where challenges intersect economic crisis, climate change, increasing frequency of natural disasters and armed conflicts across the Middle East and the world.
These pressures are placing unprecedented strain on cities and on the ability to meet growing housing needs.
This really compels the international community to develop mechanisms that strengthen urban resilience and adopt sustainable development models.
In this continent, it's my pleasure to share with you the experience of the Hashemiid Kingdom of Jordan and implementing the 2030 agenda for sustainable development and in particular, the progress achieved and implementing the new Urban agenda adopted at the Habitat three Conference at the operational framework for achieving sustainable development, especially goal 11, which aims to make cities and the human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
I'm also pleased to highlight the structure of the approach we adopt in preparing Jordan's second luntary National report on the implementation of the Agenda 2019 to 2024, which recorded significant progress.
Jordan ranked first in the Arab region and fourth globally in preparing and submitting this report to the United Nations platform.
This reflects a clear indicator of Jordan's a commitment to implement the new urban agenda and the achieving SDGs.
Distinguished attendees and preparing the report, we transitioned from the descriptive monitoring into digital analysis and a comprehensive and institutional following up.
We adopted an integrated methodology based on participatory governance and knowledge management through a dedicated national team composed of experts from both public and private sectors, civil society organizations, academia, et cetera This ensured alignment of Jordan's urban policies with the economic modernization vision launched by His Majesty King Abdullah, second Ebner Hussein, may God protect him, ensuring that urban growth proceeds in parallel with economic development and social well being.
We recognize what cannot be measured and cannot be managed.
Accordingly, we worked on developing a data collection tools from 52 percentages in the first report to reach 95 percentages in the second report, relying on ten key international indicators to enhance comparability and ensure data reliability.
Also, this report also focused on leveraging digital transformation as a key tool to improve monitoring and evaluation efficiency.
A following up and evaluation plan was developed based on clear performance indicators to precisely identify development goal, gaps, and direct investments towards the most in need areas with a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability and urban resilience.
In this regard, I'd like to extend our appreciation to you and habitat for harmonizing this data framework.
We then share the national structures to help identify gaps for each country.
Excellencies, one of the most important outcomes of this experience has been the value of Joan Gilson's learning.
This has led us to take a strategic decision to establish a national Urban Observatory, which will serve as an integrated platform for monitoring urban indicators, accelerating the progress of the new urban agenda.
In conclusion, I would like to reaffirm that our vision for the urban future is based on cities that are more inclusive, more efficient, and more resilient.
Cities that place people at the center of development and transform challenges and opportunities for sustainable growth.
We totally believe that cities for the future are those that harness innovation and technology to improve quality of life while maintaining a balance between economic growth and environmental sustainability.
I also reaffirm the commitment of Jordan to strengthen international and regional cooperation to implement SDGs and new urban agenda towards a more resilient and capable cities for future generations.
Peace and mercy and blessing is God be upon you.
Thank you so much, Excensy.
Now, may I invite the Liberia.
The statement will be delivered by the Deputy Minister for Urban Affairs.
Please, Excellency, Liberia.
Hello.
All protocols observed.
Madam Chairman, and all of the countries here present, I bring you greetings from His Excellency, Joseph Numa Buki, President of the Republic of Liberia, and my minister, the Honorable Francis Saka Numi of the Ministry of Local Government.
The Housing Authority of Liberia is the government agency mandated to plan and implement affordable housing programs primarily focused on low income families.
We have struggled from war to present with housing initiatives, but our president, His Excellency, Joseph Numaki has undertaken projects to ensure that Liberia and Liberians have affordable housing.
The mission of the National Housing Authority is to provide affordable housing through public private partnerships, developing and implementing housing policies nationwide.
Current projects is the implementation of the president's Sona address to plan to construct 600 affordable housing units across Liberia to address housing shorategs with a focus on enhancing urban development outside of Monrovia.
The authority has explored partnership with international firms like Gel Pass to potentially provide 5,000 housing units across the nation.
They previously partnered with Shelter at Freak for one housing unit for low income earners.
Our president continues to work with the land authority to ensure that land lease purchase programs allow affordable low income earners to acquire smaller plots of land.
Today, Liberia stand at the pivotal stage where Monrovia is congested and we are partnering with all of our neighbors to ensure that this housing crisis becomes a thing of the past.
Last week, His Excellency Joseph Numa Baki embarked on a journey to go to Kenya for the forum where he discussed our housing needs across Liberia.
We are pleased to announce that the 600 housing initiatives are being implemented by the National Housing Authority in connection with the urban development, which I am the Minister of.
We are here to negotiate and to make sure that we link with other nations to hear what they are doing to help raise the awareness and create housing for our people.
I thank you.
Thank you so much, Excellency.
Now, may I invite Comoros.
The statement will be delivered by the Director of and use Planning, Urban Development, and housing.
Please.
The floor is yours.
Comoros? No.
Now, we go to Madagascar.
The statement will be delivered by Secretary-General, Ministry of Land Management and Land Services of the Republic of Madagascar, please.
Madam President.
President, Your Excellency, ladies and gentlemen, the Republic of Madagascar through the Ministry of Land Management.
Thank you.
Human habitat.
And the government of the Republic of Azerbaijan for the organization of this 13th edition of the World Ube Forum about housing the world, safe and resilient cities and communities.
This meeting is a major step in international reflection about the implementation of this new urban agenda, about the answers we have to provide to the global crisis about housing and also to the growing challenge related to urbanism and city resilience in all different countries.
In Madagascar, Urban dynamics are evolving quickly.
The cities today contribute to 75% of the national growth, while more than half of the population in Madagascar should be living in urban area from now to 2036.
It is increasing the chances related to urban infrastructures.
Housing and vulnerabilities facing to climate events.
Facing these challenges, Madagascar is committed to implement different policies and reforms to promote the urban development that is more inclusive, balanced, and resilient.
While preparing a national national approach about housing with the help and support of Excellency, the head of the government.
It is within the national policy of urban and national strategies for climate resilience and reducing the risk of catastrophes.
Within the framework of this reform, Madagascar is developing an integrated approach articulated three levels.
Local, the approach is with the strong community and taking into account the local aspect with the participation from the communities that is safer for the population.
At the intermediary level, actions are focused on the local structure, implementation of structural infrastructures for more resilient and safe cities.
At national level, this reform is based on a strategic vision on the long run that tend to reinforce the coherence of the territory, urban governance, and development planning while integrating the value of our natural capital.
Madagascar is also developing initiative to rebuild in a more resilient way in areas that are exposed to a climate effect, for example, in Thomas facing the aftermath of the storm.
We also reinforce these public policies, the infrastructure, the building of the creation of policies to reinforce the buildings.
Also, we have outlooks within the framework of promotion and construction of housing that will include all the stakeholders.
We are convinced that the answers to today's urban standards needs integrated answers with harbism, resilience, and social inclusion.
The World On B Forum is an essential platform for dialogue, experience sharing and capacity building, reinforcement of international cooperation.
We call for commitment for this new urban agenda, and we are open to the development of technical partnerships and financial partnerships to promote inclusive cities and resilient cities.
Thank you.
Thank you so much, Excellency.
Now, may I invite Belarus? The statement will be delivered by the head of the Institute for Regional and Urban Planning, please.
Belarus? Hello? Okay.
Can we continue with Central Africa Republic? The statement will be delivered by the Technical Officer, Ministry of Urban Planning and Housing.
Please.
Madam President.
Thank you, Madam President, Your Excellency.
Ministers, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen, it's a great honor for me to address you as you all have great experience and I would like to be able to learn from you.
I'm speaking here on behalf of the Central African Republic at this 13th session of the World Urban Forum, under the theme housing the World, safe and resilient cities.
And on behalf of the president of the Republic, I would firstly like His Excellency, Professor Fustan Arjanj Tira.
I would like to express our gratitude to the Azerbijan authorities for the warm welcome extended to the delegation and that they command the essential role in implementing the new urban agenda.
For the Central African Republic, Grban issue is a matter of development, social cohesion, economic sovereignty.
It's not peripheral, it's fundamental.
The Central African Republic is coming out of a period of instability and now thanks to mediation and the commitment of our partners, we are seeing progress everywhere on our territory.
Now that we have this refound stability, We need to rebuild cities not identically, but differently.
Secondary cities transforming urbanization and being able to master it.
It is not an isolated challenge.
This is something that all Sub Saharan Africa is facing.
The data we have right now is that the urban population in Sub Saharan Africa will be very high.
Our cities grow very quickly and we do not have the adapted infrastructure and the temperatures are on the rise.
In Bani, we have more and more floods that show how important policies housing policies are.
We are not there have to be there to absorb these shocks.
And we have made a strategic choice.
Make sure that this is a priority at national level.
In that sense, we have the National Development Plan 2024, 2028, whose five strategic pillars address human development, economic diversification, effective governance, and we also have the Pro Vir project with the World Bank.
We also have the 13th corridor that is seen as a real sign of strategic regional development.
Of course, we need to work on water sanitation, water as in general, and we're also working on the digitalization of our land registry and in general in the modernization of our land registry.
For now, we are defending a vision of an African habitat with local materials, innovation to create affordable housing adapted to our climate reality.
Our ambitions go much further than our borders because the Central African Republic wants to be a space for connection and for opportunities.
In the economic Central African community, we really try to reaffirm our engagement in terms of a regional development and to be a real emblem of stability.
We are not coming here with our needs.
We come here with a clear path and we are not asking to be replaced but to be accompanied, helped, Investing in the Central African Republic right now is investing in a young territory that is strategic, that is in development, and if we will do that.
We will leave a land, a better situation for the future generations.
We'll be able to access better services for our citizens.
But we also need to work collectively in order to make sure that sustainable housing becomes concrete and the true reality for all.
Thank you.
Now, may I invite Lebanon.
The statement will be delivered by the Director General Public Cooperation for Housing.
Hara Al Mali Sada.
Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished as, it's great pleasure to be here in front of you within this Ministrli meeting that comes within the Wolf 13.
After ten years since adopted the new Urban agenda, here we are in this critical phase to showcase the achievements and to put on the table the challenges that we all face despite the fact that Lebanon has been witnessing different challenges, but we have got this clear through the past decade to be in line with the NA objectives and to make sure that we provide the social and adequate housing and to foster the sustainable urban planning.
However, recently, Lebanon has been facing the different catastrophes and the natural disasters in addition to the forced displacement, particularly the last word that has directly affected the infrastructure and the social security.
So today, The challenges that we have that has bounded our efforts towards the urban objectives, also the successive natural climate repercussions.
Those challenges are particularly emergent in Tripoli, where we have non secured housing units and the destruction of housing units and the non stable housing capacities call for action to reconstruct and reinvest in more secure sustainable housing units.
Also, different areas in Lebanon have been faces huge catastrophe due to the last war that has directly affected our national economies.
Indicators referred to the fact that the reconstruction in Lebanon would go more than 11 billion USD, while the housing deficit has even gone beyond 7 billion USD and since 2024, we got full collapse of 290,000 housing units in different regions across the state.
Meanwhile, more than 286 cities have been fully collapsed and with more than 1 million forced displaced people who cannot get back safely to their homes.
The reconstruction for Lebanon, it does not only mean the reconstruction of infrastructure, but furthermore, the economic reconstruction, the social reconstruction, and to have faith in the future.
Emerging from those current concerns.
We work on expanding opportunities for affordable housing and to prioritize the reconstruction, especially for the brownfield areas through the collaboration of the partners and to have road map that can work mainly for the future sustainable green planning.
We call for the international solidarity and to have the innovation based solutions.
Distinguished attendees, ladies and gentlemen, the new urban agenda should form for countries like Lebanon, real pathway towards resilience and sustainable development.
Here we see this opportunity to reiterate on our commitment to this action so we can all together collectively face the challenges that we have.
Thank you.
Thank you so much.
Before I conclude our agenda session, is there any member or representative who have not spoken yet in this room? No.
Yes, please, Excellency, the floor is yours, please.
Madam Chair, Distinguished Ministers, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, please allow me at the outset to convey sincere apologies on behalf of the Honorable Minister of Lands Housing and County Planning of Australian, who was unable to attend this important meeting due to resideation assignment at home.
Let me also thank and congratulate the government and people of Azerbijan for hosting this important event, not forgetting the UN Habitat.
Baku is quite an amazing city.
Thank you very much.
I have the honor now on behalf of my delegation to represent the ministry and to reaffirm Sralia's commitment to sustainable urban development, climate resilience, and recovery Initiative.
Sustrli warmly welcomes the launch of The launch of the Smart Sustainable settlement for Safe Return package, solutions initiative by State Committee on urban planning and the architecture of the Republic Azaijan in collaboration with the UN Habitat, International Organization for Migration and the Baku Climate and Peace Action Hub at World Urban Forum 13.
Of course, this morning we saw the importance of sustainable urban planning within the context of climate change for Sra.
For Australi eon, this initiative struggle resonates with our national realities and all reforms as a country.
As a country vulnerable to climate change, rapid urbanilation, informal setban growth, environmental degradation, flooding and disaster risk, we understand the urgent importance of integrated and resilient urban planning systems.
One of the major steps undertaken by Sierra Leone is the comprehensive review of the Colonial Era Town and Country Planning Act of CP 81 of 1946, which has now been replaced by the National Recovery Planning Act of 2000 2025.
This reform represents a significant milestone in modernizing the country's urban planning framework, The new Act introduces a more inclusive, decentralized, climate responsive and development oriented planning system capable of addressing present and future urban challenges.
The importance of this new law So the four SRP solutions in each initiative cannot be overstated.
It provides the legal and institutional foundation for sustainable land use planning, development control, climate resilience, environmental protection, disaster risk reduction, and coordinated urban growth management.
It also strengthens planning governance and support the preparation of saper, more resilient, and environmentally sustainable human sentiments, which are central objective of the four SRP initiative.
In addition, Swern is currently undertaking the preparation of structural and special plans for major cities and rapidly growing urban centers across the country.
These special plans are critical tools for guiding orderly urban growth, infrastructure development, environmental management, mobility systems, housing expansions, and disaster risk mitigation.
They help identify vulnerable areas, regulate development patterns, protect environmentally sensitive zones, and ensure that urban expansion takes place in a coordinated and sustainable manner.
The importance of spatial learning became even more evident following the 2017 alone, much slides, commonly remembered as the August 14th disaster, which claimed the lives of over 1,000 people and displaced many families in and around Freetown.
The tragedy exposed the dangers of controlled urban growth, informal settlement development on vulnerable slopes, deforestation, weak land management system, and inadequate planning enforcement.
Since then, Serene has increasingly recognized that effective planning, environmental protection, and resilient urban development are not optional but necessary for national survival and sustainable development.
Furthermore, Sierra Leone has enacted the Customary Land Rights Act, which is another landmark reform, aimed at strengthening land governance, protecting land rights, promoting transparency, and ensuring equitable access to land, especially within customary land areas.
This legislation is important because secure land tenure and transparent land administration are essential foundations for sustainable development, conflict prevention, investment confidence, and sustainable resilience.
The country has also enacted the National Lands Commission Act, which established the National Lands Commission to improve land administration, strengthen coordination, reduce land related conflicts, enhance transparency, and promote sustainable land management practices.
The establishment of the commission is particularly important in ensuring institutional accountability and effective management of land resources in support of national development objectives and resilient urban transformation.
These reforms collectively demonstrate really strong commitment to building safper, smarter, more inclusive and sustainable human settlement.
They also align directly with the objective of Excellency renew SRSP solutions initiative by promoting integrated planning systems, resilience construction, approaches, climate adaptation measures, and sustainable land governance frameworks.
Thank you.
Thank you very much.
Thank you so much.
Thank you.
Excellency.
Excellences Distinguish delegates, we have now concluded this session of the national statements on behalf of the President of UN Habitat Assembly, Honorable Nakoming, I wish to express my sincere gratitude to all delegations for your invaluable contributions and for the spirit of constructive engagement displayed today.
Our deliberation underscore the enduring necessity of international cooperation and our collective resolve in advancing the new urban agenda.
The diverse perspective and strategic recommendations shared in this hall provide a vital impetus for the upcoming high level midterm review in New York this July.
Let us carry this momentum forward, ensuring that the insight gains here in Baku are translated into transformative action for our cities and communities back home.
I thank you all once again and wish you a productive and inspired continuation of the World Urban Forum 13 in Baku, Azerbijan.
This session is now adjourned.
Thank you.