Guyana’s approach to sustainable and climate-resilient housing development was highlighted on the opening day of the Thirteenth Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku, Azerbaijan.
During a High-Level Ministerial Thematic Panel on “Housing for Urban Prosperity and Opportunities for All”, Minister of Housing, Collin Croal, outlined Guyana’s strategy for advancing sustainable urban development through close collaboration between national agencies and local authorities.
The discussions formed part of ministerial engagements on the implementation of the New Urban Agenda, a global framework adopted in 2016 to guide sustainable and inclusive urban development.
Guyana’s model for balancing climate action with urban expansion was presented, with emphasis placed on the country’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030, under which major urban and housing initiatives are being implemented.
The country’s housing programme was highlighted as one that incorporates low-carbon housing models, climate-resilient infrastructure, sustainable building materials, and opportunities for renewable energy integration.
Among the transformative initiatives showcased was Silica City, which is being developed as the Caribbean’s first climate-smart city.
The Hyde Park Homestead Programme was also highlighted as a flagship initiative to provide affordable timber homes, sustainable agricultural opportunities, and income-generating avenues for single mothers and low-income families.
WUF13 is being held under the theme “Housing the World: Safe and Resilient Cities and Communities” and serves as a major international platform for reviewing progress made in implementing the New Urban Agenda and advancing global commitments to sustainable urban transformation.