Emilia Saiz: Regional authorities must play leading role in overcoming housing crisis

Local and regional authorities must play a key role in overcoming the global housing crisis, Emilia Saiz, Secretary General of United Cities and Local Governments, during an event held within the framework of World Urban Forum 13 in Baku.

According to Saiz, many local authorities today face serious housing-related challenges, including the eviction of residents, speculation in land markets, and a lack of powers to effectively address the housing crisis.

At the same time, she emphasized that many cities and municipalities are trying to place greater emphasis on human rights and are seeking expanded powers to implement fairer housing policies.

"Even if housing policy is not always within their direct competence, local authorities are ready to take on this responsibility. However, this requires changes in both the legislative and financial systems," she noted.

Saiz stressed that UCLG, together with international partners and civil society organizations, promotes an approach in which housing is viewed not merely as square meters, but as part of a broader system of local services and social support.