Programme for World Urban Forum 13 (WUF13) Unveiled
Baku, The Gulf Observer: The programme for the main events of the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13), scheduled to be held in Baku from May 17 to 22, 2026, has been officially released, outlining a comprehensive agenda aimed at addressing one of the most pressing global challenges: housing.
Organized under the theme “Housing the world: Safe and resilient cities and communities,” the Forum will bring together governments, urban planners, experts, civil society, and international partners to exchange solutions, shape policies, and accelerate action toward sustainable urban development.
WUF13 will serve as a global platform for dialogue and cooperation, combining high-level discussions with practical, solution-oriented and interactive formats to ensure that global policy reflects local realities and experiences.
The Forum is convened by the UN-Habitat.
High-Level Dialogues to Shape Global Housing Agenda
Central to the programme are high-level Dialogues designed to frame international discussions on housing and urban development. These sessions will examine the intersection of housing with inclusion, resilience, and broader urban systems, focusing on key global priorities, including:
- Addressing the global housing crisis
- Transforming informal settlements and slums
- Housing in crisis recovery and reconstruction
- The climate–housing nexus
- The social and economic impact of housing
- Reforming housing finance systems
These dialogues aim to bridge global challenges with actionable commitments and practical policy solutions.
Special Sessions on Urban Innovation and Resilience
A series of Special Sessions will delve deeper into specific urban challenges such as climate adaptation, digital transformation, housing innovation, financing mechanisms, and inclusive development.
Key topics include urban reconstruction, affordable housing strategies, circular economy approaches in waste management, cultural heritage and urban regeneration, and climate resilience, among others. Sessions will also highlight experiences from Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and emerging urban economies.
Assemblies to Strengthen Inclusive Participation
The Forum will also feature Assemblies designed to amplify the voices of diverse stakeholder groups, including local and regional governments, women, youth, parliamentarians, business leaders, and grassroots organizations.
These platforms will enable participants to share perspectives, align priorities, and strengthen collective advocacy for inclusive and sustainable urban development outcomes.
Roundtables to Drive Action-Oriented Dialogue
WUF13 will include structured Roundtables aimed at fostering practical collaboration and peer-to-peer learning. These sessions will bring together multiple constituencies, including the United Nations system, academia, civil society, private sector, and vulnerable groups, such as persons with disabilities, Indigenous peoples, and older persons.
The roundtables will focus on identifying actionable solutions to emerging urban challenges and showcasing innovative projects and research from across the globe.
Global Platform for Urban Transformation
WUF13 is expected to serve as a key global platform for advancing the housing agenda by connecting international expertise with local experiences. The Forum will aim to translate dialogue into action and strengthen global cooperation on sustainable, inclusive, and resilient urban futures.
The full programme and further details are available via the official WUF13 portal.
