Carrigan: In the Asia-Pacific region, about 700 million people live in slums

The scale of informal settlements, as well as growing climate risks, remain key factors determining the quality of life in the Asia-Pacific region, stated the representative of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), Curt Garrigan, during a panel discussion within the framework of the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku, Report informs.

According to him, out of 1.1 billion people living in informal settlements worldwide, approximately 700 million are in the Asia-Pacific region, making this factor decisive for assessing the standard of living in this territory.

"The deep inequality between formal and informal housing lies at the core of disparities in access to social services and legal protection. This crisis has been building for decades and requires the development of long-term systemic solutions," the speaker emphasized.

Garrigan added that ensuring adequate housing for the population remains a key element of sustainable urban development, however the very concept of "adequacy" must necessarily be adapted to the unique regional context.

He also drew attention to demographic changes, including the aging of the population in the Asia-Pacific region, which is leading to the development of so-called "caring communities" and the strengthening of the role of healthcare systems and elderly care, while the concept of care should encompass all age groups.