Merna Alzurikat: "The younger generation struggles to buy or rent homes." She is an urban planning expert and architect, invited to Baku by the Baku Initiative Group to discuss colonial injustice and its impact on housing shortages worldwide.
Speaking to Oxu.Az at the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku, the UN Young Leader for Sustainable Development Goals and Director of Communications and Awareness at the Jordanian Space Research Initiative (JSRI) highlighted the challenges.
She noted that Jordan faces serious problems related to colonial influences, including privatization of public services and housing, leading to social difficulties. "Young people struggle to find jobs, earn enough income, and afford housing," Alzurikat said.
The UN representative emphasized that Jordan has historically been a host country for refugees after crises in neighboring countries. This raises the issue that housing should provide not only shelter but also dignified living conditions. "It is very important for people to live in decent conditions without losing their basic rights. These are the issues I am discussing here today. I hope people benefit from these discussions," she added.
