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World Urban Forum

17–22 May 2026, Baku, Azerbaijan

Explore WUF13

World Urban Forum

The World Urban Forum (WUF) is the premier global conference on sustainable urbanization.

WUF was established in 2001 by the United Nations to examine one of the most pressing issues facing the world today: rapid urbanization and its impact on communities, cities, economies, climate change and policies. The first WUF was held in Nairobi, Kenya in 2002 and has been held around the world ever since.

Representatives of national, regional and local governments, academics, business people, community leaders, urban planners and civil society representatives will be among the thousands of people are expected to attend WUF13 which is co-organized by the Government of Republic of Azerbaijan.

WUF13 Explore WUF13

News

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Member State representatives exchange greetings during the Ministerial Meeting on the New Urban Agenda at WUF13 in Baku.

From Baku to New York: WUF13 stakeholders carry momentum into the New Urban Agenda’s midterm review
WUF13 concludes with a powerful call to action on the global housing crisis
Baku Call to Action urges renewed commitment on the global housing crisis
Housing at the heart of Africa’s future: Deputy Secretary-General calls for urgent action on affordable housing

WUF: Theme, numbers & facts

Theme: Housing the world: Safe and resilient cities and communities
Place: Baku, Azerbaijan
Date: 17 to 22 May 2026

Theme:  It All Starts at Home: Local Actions for Sustainable Cities and Communities
Attendance: 25,000 Participants (in-person & online) from 182 countries.
Place: Cairo, Egypt
Date: 4 to 8 November 2024

25,000 Participants

Theme: Transforming Our Cities for a Better Urban Future
Attendance: 17,000+ attendees from 158 countries.
Place: Katowice, Poland
Date: 26 to 30 June 2022

17,000+ attendees
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Road to WUF

The thirteenth session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13), convened by UN-Habitat, will bring together a wide range of urban stakeholders to explore solutions to the growing global housing crisis and to position housing as a foundation for safe and resilient cities and communities.

Member State representatives exchange greetings during the Ministerial Meeting on the New Urban Agenda at WUF13 in Baku.

From Baku to New York: WUF13 stakeholders carry momentum into the New Urban Agenda’s midterm review

A child inspects an architectural model at WUF13 in Baku, Azerbaijan. © UN-Habitat/Ratmir

WUF13 concludes with a powerful call to action on the global housing crisis

During WUF13, Baku brought together over 57,000 participants to exchange ideas and advance solutions for housing and sustainable urban development, culminating in the adoption of the Baku Call to Action. © UN-Habitat/Alyar Ramazanov

Baku Call to Action urges renewed commitment on the global housing crisis

Amina J. Mohammed, United Nations Deputy Secretary-General and Chair of the United Nations Sustainable Development Group, addresses the Special Session on the Africa Affordable Housing Compact at WUF13 in Baku, Azerbaijan. © UN-Habitat/Nasimi Hasan

Housing at the heart of Africa’s future: Deputy Secretary-General calls for urgent action on affordable housing

United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed reviews the Baku Call to Action during the thirteenth session of the World Urban Forum taking place in Baku, a document shaped by discussions across WUF13. © UN-Habitat / Aléxia Saraiva

WUF13 highlights the human impact of housing challenges

Dr. Lucy Earle, Director of Research and Strategic Impact at the International Institute for Environment and Development, during the Dialogue on Housing at the Centre of Crisis Recovery and Reconstruction at WUF13 in Baku, Azerbaijan. © UN-Habitat/Senan Hesenov

Why rebuilding after crisis must go beyond shelter

May Abdel Hamid, CEO of Egypt’s Social Housing and Mortgage Finance Fund, speaks at the WUF13 dialogue on housing finance. © UN-Habitat

The complex world of housing finance takes centre stage at WUF13

Maria das Graças Xavier unfurls a banner advocating for women’s right to housing at the WUF13 Dialogue on Informal Settlements. ©UN-Habitat/Ratmir Sherifov

How the worldview on informal settlements and slums shifted from ‘elimination’ to ‘transformation’

As cities face rising climate pressures, discussions during the Dialogue on The Climate-Housing Nexus highlighted the need to connect housing, land, infrastructure and climate action to build more resilient and inclusive communities. Pictured: Anne-Marie Dias Borges with Susil Ranasinghe and Elizabeth Maruma Mrema. © UN-Habitat / Nika Vekilova

WUF13 explores housing, climate and practical pathways for urban transformation

Videos

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Our YouTube Channel
Housing the world (WUF13)
Highlights from Day 5 of WUF13
Highlights from Day 4 of WUF13
Our YouTube Channel