Anaclaudia Rossbach, Executive Director of UN-Habitat, emphasized the importance of recognizing informal settlements.
Speaking at the World Urban Forum, she said: "Recognition, data, and statistics are key for transforming informal settlements."
Rossbach noted that Azerbaijan and Somalia currently co-chair the working group on this issue. Previously, China and France led it.
She added: "Formal recognition of these areas is crucial to achieve SDG 11.1."
Rossbach stressed that in Global South countries, people see informal settlements as transit points when moving to cities for education, healthcare, and jobs. The social and ecological functions of these spaces must be considered.
