UN official: Jordan is known as refugee-hosting country

Jordan has historically been recognized as a country that hosts refugees following crises in neighboring states, Merna Alzurikat, UN Young Leader for the Sustainable Development Goals and Director of Communications and Outreach at the Jordan Space Research Initiative (JSRI), told Report as part of the 13th Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku.

Urban planning specialist Alzurikat noted that she was invited by the Baku Initiative Group (BIG) to speak about colonial injustices and their impact on global housing shortages.

"Coming from Jordan, we face serious challenges linked to colonial influences, particularly the privatization of public services and the housing sector. This has created many social difficulties. Young people especially struggle to buy or rent homes, and they also face challenges in finding jobs and earning sufficient income," she noted.

The official emphasized that Jordan's role as a refugee-hosting country brings housing into sharper focus: "Housing is not only about shelter but also about providing dignified living conditions. It is crucial that people live in decent conditions without losing their basic rights. These are the issues I am discussing here today, and I hope participants benefit from these discussions."