Lamia AlSaud: Housing - starting point for security, stability

Housing should not be seen as an end in itself, but as a starting point for security and stability, Princess Lamia Bint Majed AlSaud of Saudi Arabia, UN-Habitat's Regional Goodwill Ambassador for the Arab States, said during a panel discussion on "The Social and Economic Power of Housing" at the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku, Report informs.

She called on the international community to rethink the fundamental importance of housing.

"Housing is a starting point, not an end in itself or a goal in itself. Ultimately, housing gives people a sense of security, a roof over their heads, a sense of stability, dignity, and safety. That is the meaning of housing," she said.

According to Lamia AlSaud, Alwaleed Philanthropies has been addressing housing issues and providing decent living conditions around the world for nearly 45 years, helping 1.2 million people find shelter and bringing the foundation's total investment in supporting humanity and protecting women's rights to over $5 billion.

She emphasized that the primary goal is not just constructing buildings but also creating a viable environment that helps families achieve long-term economic self-sufficiency and independence.