Banjul Mayor Demands Housing Justice at World Urban Forum

By Dawda Baldeh

Banjul Mayor Rohey Malick Lowe has called for stronger political recognition and financial support for local governments, declaring that “housing is a human right” during the closing ceremony of the World Urban Forum 13 in Azerbaijan.

Speaking on behalf of United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG), Lowe thanked the Government of Azerbaijan and the city of Baku for hosting the global gathering at what she described as “a critical time for our cities and communities.” She also praised UN‑Habitat Executive Director Ana Claudia Rossbach for her leadership on housing rights and inclusive multilateralism.

In a forceful address, Lowe stressed that dignified housing depends on universal and accessible public services, and argued that local and regional governments need greater political authority, financing, and recognition to meet growing urban challenges.

“Local and regional governments are not just implementers. We are political actors. We are a sphere of government. And we must help shape the global commitments that our communities are then asked to deliver,” she said.

The mayor warned that progress on Sustainable Development Goal 11 and the New Urban Agenda would remain limited unless governments tackle inequality, weak decentralization, failing institutions, and the financialization of housing and land. She welcomed ongoing consultations on the Political Declaration for the New Urban Agenda and reaffirmed local governments’ commitment to global development.

Lowe concluded by stressing that the future of multilateralism depends on trust, democracy, and meaningful local leadership.