World Urban Forum 13 Approaches: Focus on Secure and Sustainable Cities
The upcoming 13th World Urban Forum (WUF13), co-hosted by UN-Habitat and the government of Azerbaijan, is poised to be a pivotal international gathering. Scheduled to take place in Baku from May 17 to 22, 2026, the forum will operate under the overarching theme of "Housing the World: Safe and Resilient Cities and Communities." This significant event aims to bring together a diverse assembly of professionals, including architects, urban planners, policymakers, academics, and representatives from local governments and civil society organizations. The central objective is to collectively deliberate on the pressing issues that currently define urban landscapes and to forge innovative strategies for addressing them effectively. With nearly three billion people globally facing inadequate housing and hundreds of millions experiencing homelessness, WUF13 will highlight housing not merely as a fundamental human right, but also as a critical lens through which to tackle broader urban challenges such as climate change adaptation, social inequality, infrastructure development, effective governance, and long-term urban resilience. As it marks the midpoint of the New Urban Agenda's implementation, the forum's outcomes are anticipated to significantly inform the United Nations Secretary-General's 2026 progress report on urban development.
The Global Dialogue on Urban Futures: WUF13 in Baku
In May 2026, the vibrant city of Baku, Azerbaijan, will host the 13th World Urban Forum, a biennial event organized by UN-Habitat and the Azerbaijani government. This year's forum, titled "Housing the World: Safe and Resilient Cities and Communities," is particularly significant as it is the first to be held in the Caucasus region. The discussions will center on the urgent global housing crisis, recognizing housing as a cornerstone for fostering inclusive, sustainable, and resilient urban development. Statistics reveal a stark reality: approximately three billion individuals worldwide contend with substandard housing conditions, over one billion reside in informal settlements, and more than 300 million are homeless. Against this backdrop, WUF13 seeks to reposition housing as a comprehensive framework for addressing interwoven urban issues such as climate change, social disparities, infrastructure needs, governance models, and long-term urban sustainability.
With an anticipated attendance of 30,000 participants, including 25,000 registered individuals from 178 nations at the Baku Olympic Stadium, the forum promises a truly global discourse. The agenda features a rich array of activities, including dialogues, assemblies, ministerial meetings, exhibitions, networking events, and partner-led sessions. A dedicated Urban Expo will also showcase cutting-edge urban innovations, visionary design strategies, and groundbreaking research aimed at tackling contemporary city-making complexities. A key component of WUF13 will be the six thematic dialogues, each delving into a specific aspect of housing—social, environmental, and economic. Topics will range from strategic planning for the global housing crisis and transforming informal settlements to integrating housing into disaster recovery, exploring the climate-housing nexus, recognizing housing's socioeconomic power, and pioneering new approaches to housing finance. These discussions are designed to explore how progressive housing policies can bolster broader urban systems by integrating crucial elements like land and tenure security, climate resilience, inclusive governance, and localized planning initiatives into future development frameworks.
Beyond the core program, a series of special sessions will address diverse themes such as global housing coalitions, inclusive urban resilience, blue economies, sustainable tourism, healthy living environments, circular economic models, affordable housing investment, and climate adaptation. Additional sessions will delve into the preservation of cultural heritage and inclusive urban regeneration, examining how narratives, public participation, and conservation efforts can contribute to more equitable urban futures. These discussions extend the forum's scope beyond mere housing, connecting architecture and urban development with critical considerations of public health, environmental stewardship, economic systems, and social inclusion.
This year's forum introduces innovative formats designed to bridge the gap between policy discourse and practical urban applications, as well as educational initiatives. The new Practices Hub will highlight successful urban solutions, innovations, and case studies from cities and institutions globally. Concurrently, the WUF Academy will offer learning sessions hosted by universities, training institutes, and partner organizations. The Urban Expo and Media Hub will serve as dynamic platforms for exhibitions, live broadcasts, and research presentations, underscoring the forum's commitment to knowledge exchange and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Adding to the significance of WUF13, the International Union of Architects (UIA) and UN-Habitat will announce the recipients of the third cycle of the UIA 2030 Award. Launched in 2021, this biennial award recognizes built projects that contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, with a particular emphasis on SDG11 and the New Urban Agenda. The 2026 edition will spotlight projects addressing themes such as affordable housing, participatory planning, public space accessibility, climate resilience, water management, and socially responsible urban design, thereby integrating architecture into broader dialogues on sustainable urban development and global policy objectives.
In a related development, President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan has declared 2026 as the "Year of Urban Planning and Architecture" for the nation. This initiative underscores Azerbaijan's ongoing commitment to urban development, architectural excellence, and sustainable planning strategies across both its capital and regional cities. This declaration resonates particularly in Baku, a city characterized by the stark contrast between the intricate, historic core of Icherisheher and the expansive, modern developments beyond its ancient walls, reflecting a continuous interplay of preservation and rapid transformation.
The World Urban Forum in Baku stands as a testament to the global commitment to tackling the complex challenges of urbanization. By bringing together diverse stakeholders and fostering a comprehensive dialogue, the forum offers an unparalleled opportunity to shape the future of our cities. The emphasis on housing as a foundational element for resilient and inclusive urban environments is a crucial step toward building a more equitable and sustainable world. The insights and collaborations emerging from WUF13 will undoubtedly influence urban policies and practices for years to come, encouraging innovative solutions and inspiring collective action to create better urban futures for all.