UN-Habitat: Housing policy plays key role in poverty reduction

Housing policy is central to reducing poverty, overcoming economic crises, and post-conflict recovery, Anacláudia Rossbach, Executive Director of UN-Habitat, said during the event under the theme In Search of Best Solutions for Sustainable Housing and Resilient Cities: Voices from Cities held within the 13th Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku, Report informs.

She emphasized that housing lies at the intersection of multiple systems, and success is impossible without responsible governance: "Housing is not only a social issue but also an environmental, urban planning, and land management matter. Responsible leadership is therefore essential."

Rossbach stated that throughout history the housing sector has played a key role at major socio-economic turning points: "After World War II, housing became the main entry point for Europe's recovery. Within the framework of the Marshall Plan, large-scale housing construction was carried out with state funds, which gave impetus to the revival of the entire economy. In China, urbanization and housing policy helped hundreds of millions of people escape poverty and played an important role in the country's economic growth. In the United States, after the crisis of the 1930s, the housing finance system was formed as a tool for economic recovery, while in Brazil, after the 2008 global financial crisis, the improvement of informal settlements and housing policy turned into an economic revival strategy."

She noted that by 2050, another 2 billion people will move to cities, mainly in Southeast Asia and Africa: "Currently, about 50% of Africa's urban population lives in slums or informal settlements. Industrial development cannot be expected without adequate housing. Upgrading informal settlements stimulates local economies, creates jobs, and supports small businesses. For women entrepreneurs, housing provides opportunities for home-based businesses. Investment in housing positively impacts GDP and increases household incomes."