Baku, Azerbaijan | The thirteenth session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) concluded in Baku after a week-long global gathering focused on addressing the growing housing crisis and advancing sustainable urban development worldwide. Organized by UN-Habitat in collaboration with the Government of Azerbaijan, the forum was held under the theme “Housing the World: Safe and Resilient Cities and Communities.”
WUF13 became the largest edition of the World Urban Forum to date, bringing together more than 57,000 participants from 176 countries, including policymakers, architects, planners, researchers, local governments, financial institutions, and civil society organizations. The forum featured 579 sessions and an Urban Expo showcasing innovative urban solutions from 260 exhibitors across the world.
A major outcome of the forum was the presentation of the Baku Call to Action, a stakeholder-driven framework urging governments and urban stakeholders to accelerate efforts toward affordable, inclusive, and climate-resilient housing solutions. The document emphasized stronger governance, community participation, sustainable investment, and people-centred urban planning.
Speaking during the closing sessions, UN-Habitat Executive Director Anacláudia Rossbach highlighted the urgency of the global housing crisis, noting that nearly three billion people worldwide continue to live in inadequate housing conditions. Discussions throughout the forum focused on practical strategies for improving housing access, upgrading informal settlements, strengthening housing finance systems, and addressing climate-related urban risks.
Climate resilience emerged as one of the central themes of WUF13. Experts and city leaders discussed low-carbon construction practices, resilient urban planning, and nature-based solutions aimed at reducing emissions while protecting vulnerable communities from floods, rising temperatures, and other climate impacts.
The forum also highlighted the importance of inclusive urban development, particularly in informal settlements and underserved neighbourhoods. Sessions explored in-situ upgrading, flexible planning approaches, and community-led development models designed to improve access to infrastructure, services, and economic opportunities.
Another major area of discussion was housing finance. Governments, development banks, and private sector leaders examined innovative financing mechanisms and regulatory measures that can help expand access to affordable and resilient housing for lower-income communities.
During WUF13, UN-Habitat also launched the World Cities Report 2026, which provides updated insights into global urbanization trends and the future of housing and sustainable development.
The forum concluded with a formal handover to Mexico, which will host the fourteenth session of the World Urban Forum (WUF14) in 2028.
Source: UN-Habitat
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