The program for the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13), scheduled to take place in Baku from May 17 to 22, has been officially released to the public.
According to information provided by the WUF13 Operating Company to the Operative Information Center-OMM, the program brings together various stakeholders and interest groups to discuss one of the world's most pressing challenges: housing provision.
The WUF13 event, themed "Housing for All: Safe and Sustainable Cities and Settlements," will gather national governments, communities, experts, and partners from around the world to exchange ideas on sustainable urban development, shape policy approaches, and accelerate action. The program facilitates high-level discussions through practical, solution-oriented platforms and interactive meeting formats, ensuring that global policy is rooted in local experience.
The World Urban Forum, established by the United Nations in 2001, is the world's premier conference on urban issues. Hosting this prestigious event in Baku underscores Azerbaijan's growing role in international diplomacy and its commitment to sustainable urban planning and the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The forum is held every two years and serves as a critical platform for examining the impact of rapid urbanization on communities, cities, and economies.
Detailed information on each category and the full WUF13 program can be accessed via this link: https://wuf.unhabitat.org/main-events
Dialogues: Shaping the global housing agenda
High-level dialogues that set the direction for global discussions form the core of the WUF13 program. These dialogues will explore the connection between housing provision, inclusivity, sustainability, and urban systems. Each dialogue will address a critical aspect of housing, including the global housing crisis, the transformation of informal settlements, post-crisis urban recovery, the link between climate and housing policy, and new approaches to financing.
Special sessions: Detailed discussions on vital urban issues
Within the framework of special sessions, topics such as climate adaptation, urban renewal, digitalization, and inclusive urban development will be in focus. These sessions provide a platform for specific discussions, showcasing regional experiences and innovative approaches. Notable sessions include the host country's special session, affordable housing in Africa, and urban climate heritage development.
Assemblies and Roundtables: Collective action
The assemblies will serve as platforms for local and regional governments, community organizations, women, youth, and business circles to express shared priorities. Additionally, action-oriented roundtables will facilitate the exchange of ideas on urban issues, featuring 12 sessions dedicated to groups such as the UN, academia, civil society, and indigenous rights.
