GUYANA’S approach to climate-resilient urban development and sustainable housing was highlighted on the international stage during the Thirteenth World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku, Azerbaijan, where Minister of Housing, Collin Croal, represented the country as a featured speaker.
Croal participated in a high-level panel discussion focused on “Inclusive Urban Resilience, Blue Economy and Sustainable Tourism in Small Island Developing States (SIDS),” alongside housing ministers, senior urban and water sector officials, and academics from countries including the Maldives, Papua New Guinea and Comoros.
The session examined strategies for balancing tourism expansion, coastal protection, land availability and housing demands while strengthening climate resilience in vulnerable island and coastal nations. Discussions also centred on innovative financing models and partnerships aimed at accelerating climate-resilient housing, infrastructure and basic services in risk-prone and informal communities.
During his presentation, Croal outlined Guyana’s unique position as a Small Island Developing State strategically located on the mainland of South America and within the Caribbean region.
He highlighted the government’s major investments under the Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030 (LCDS 2030), which are aimed at protecting and modernising coastal communities while guiding urban expansion toward higher ground through climate-resilient infrastructure projects and the development of Silica City.
The minister noted that Guyana’s eco-tourism model differs from that of many traditional SIDS nations, as tourism activities are largely concentrated in the hinterland rather than along vulnerable coastal zones. According to Croal, this approach helps reduce development pressure on low-lying coastal areas while promoting environmental sustainability.
Croal also stressed the importance of development financing for SIDS countries, particularly as climate change continues to drive up the cost of housing interventions and infrastructure adaptation measures.
He further explained that Guyana’s housing programme remains heavily subsidised, allowing citizens greater access to affordable housing opportunities despite rising global construction and climate adaptation costs.
The World Urban Forum is one of the leading international conferences on sustainable urbanisation and brings together policymakers, development agencies, academics and private sector representatives to address global urban challenges.
