Jonathan Ricky: Housing - fundamental right on which opportunity is built

Uganda has expressed its sincere gratitude to the Government of Azerbaijan and UN-Habitat for the warm welcome and wonderful hospitality extended to WUF13 participants in Baku, Ugandan youth representative Jonathan Ricky said at the joint closing session of the WUF13 assemblies in Baku, Report informs.

"Young people place great importance on being heard. However, they are increasingly tired of communicating only among themselves. Often, youth spaces are filled with active youth, enthusiastically speaking in rooms where key decision-makers are absent," he noted.

According to Ricky, young people need not just new spaces, but common platforms where leaders, mayors, ministers, and government officials can engage with young people, listen to them, and jointly develop solutions.

"If the future belongs to children and youth, then leaders must also come to where the future speaks," the Ugandan representative emphasized.

He noted that during discussions on the topic "Our homes, our future - Child-centred solutions and youth-led action for liveable cities," participants concluded that children and youth represent distinct categories and cannot be considered as a single group.

"Our housing and urban development needs vary according to age, gender, ability, religion, socioeconomic status, and life experiences," Ricky said.

According to him, housing is not just four walls, but a fundamental right upon which opportunity, inclusion, dignity, health, education, security, and hope are built.

Ricky also emphasized the need for institutionalized, meaningful, and resourced participation of children and youth in urban planning, housing policy, and urban governance.

"This should not be limited to consultations after decisions are made. Youth participation must be embedded in the leadership process itself-from design to implementation," added the representative of Uganda.