Housing, Climate Resilience Take Centre Stage as WUF13 Opens in Baku

Governments, mayors, civil society groups, and business leaders gathered in the Azerbaijani capital on Monday for the opening of the thirteenth session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13), where discussions focused on housing affordability, climate resilience, and inclusive urban development. 

Hosted in Baku with the theme “Housing the World: Safe and Resilient Cities and Communities,” the forum brought together stakeholders from around the globe to explore the future of cities amid increasing urbanization, climate challenges, and growing social inequalities. 

The opening day featured a ministerial meeting on the New Urban Agenda, where ministers and senior officials assessed the progress made during the first decade of implementation and outlined priorities for the upcoming years.

Delegates highlighted the importance of housing as a catalyst for social inclusion, economic growth, and climate resilience. They called for stronger investment frameworks, improved multilevel governance, and large-scale implementation of urban policies. Participants also discussed how housing systems can better respond to the rising urban pressures and climate risks, in anticipation of a planned high-level review of the New Urban Agenda at the United Nations General Assembly later this year. 

“The midterm review must be more than just a moment of reflection; it must be a turning point,” stated Anacláudia Rossbach, the executive director of UN-Habitat.

On the first day of the forum, stakeholder assemblies convened, bringing together mayors, youth representatives, women’s organizations, grassroots movements, and private sector actors to exchange proposals on affordable housing, innovation, and local climate action. 

Discussions underscored the increasing role of local governments in shaping urban policy, alongside calls for stronger youth participation and more inclusive housing systems that cater to the needs of women and vulnerable communities. 

The assemblies are expected to continue throughout the week, contributing recommendations for the “Baku Call to Action,” the outcome document of WUF13. 

“We recognize that there have been improvements and greater acknowledgment of community needs, particularly those of women, but we need more political will to create a significant impact,” said Ana Cristina Inglês.