Baku – Eswatini has told a global gathering of urban development leaders that adequate housing is not just a basic human need but a fundamental driver of dignity, social inclusion, economic growth, and environmental sustainability.
Minister of Housing and Urban Development Appolo Maphalala made the remarks while delivering Eswatini’s national ministerial statement on the first day of the World Urban Forum in Baku, Azerbaijan.
The minister said the Kingdom fully aligns itself with the forum’s theme, “Housing the world: Safe and Resilient Cities and Communities,” telling delegates: “This theme resonates strongly with our national priorities and aspirations. Eswatini recognizes that adequate housing is not merely a basic human need, but a fundamental driver of dignity, social inclusion, economic growth, and environmental sustainability.” 
He added that housing sits at the heart of global development goals, saying: “It is central to achieving the vision of an integrated, prosperous, and peaceful world as outlined in Agenda 2030 and the New Urban Agenda.”
Minister Maphalala outlined a number of steps the Kingdom is taking on the housing front, including promoting affordable housing through the Eswatini Housing Board, strengthening spatial planning for inclusive and sustainable settlements, improving access to serviced land and secure land tenure, upgrading informal settlements while expanding access to essential services, and integrating climate resilience into housing and urban development policies.
The minister also stressed the importance of regional and global cooperation, innovation, and investment in sustainable housing solutions as the Kingdom works toward meeting Agenda 2030, Agenda 2063, and Sustainable Development Goal 11 on sustainable cities and communities.
