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UN-Habitat unveils strategic priorities for the next three years

17 May 2026 15:44 (UTC +04:00)

We must implement the necessary changes in how the concepts of the right to housing and affordable housing are perceived by people and within society, UN-Habitat representative Raina Hedeya said during the opening session of the Assembly of Civil Initiatives and Civil Society Organizations held within the framework of the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku, APA-Economics reports.

She noted that forced displacement can be prevented and that urban development cannot be carried out at the expense of people’s dignity, housing security, and human rights:

“We must emphasize the importance of stronger public investment in affordable and social housing, ensuring equal access to land and services, establishing regulatory frameworks that protect people from displacement and exclusion, as well as inclusive economic and urban policies that address inequality and vulnerability.

All these discussions are closely linked to the core essence of UN-Habitat’s new strategic plan covering 2026–2029. Those familiar with the strategic plan know that it is centered around five main priorities. The first is adequate housing, land, and urban services. The second is participatory governance, the third is integrated urban transformation, the fourth is partnerships and coalitions, and the fifth is inclusive stakeholder participation. All of these once again highlight the importance of adopting rights-based, community-oriented, and inclusive approaches as key principles in housing and urban development.”