Sanjeevani Singh: In ESCAP countries, approximately 700 million people live in informal settlements

In ESCAP countries, approximately 700 million people live in informal settlements, Sanjeevani Singh, Economic Affairs Officer in the Environment and Development Division of ESCAP (United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific), said during a panel discussion at WUF13 in Baku, dedicated to the "Eastern Europe and Central Asia Regional Group," Report informs.

"In our region, approximately 700 million people live in informal settlements, representing almost 60% of the global population living in such conditions," she said.

According to her, economic losses from natural disasters and damage to infrastructure in the region continue to increase.

"Reducing vulnerability has not kept pace with the rapid increase in climate threats. This highlights a serious gap between political commitments and real, sustainable results on the ground," the ESCAP representative noted.

She also emphasized that countries in the ESCAP region are lagging behind in achieving SDG 11 (the UN Sustainable Development Goal aimed at creating sustainable, safe, and inclusive cities and communities).

According to Singh, climate change continues to increase the vulnerability of cities, particularly in the areas of infrastructure, housing, and urban governance.