Briefing in Baku outlines preparations and priorities for WUF13

Convened at a critical moment for the global urban agenda, WUF13 will take place as the international community marks the midpoint review of the New Urban Agenda and begins preparations for its second phase (2026–2036). Under the theme “Housing the world: Safe and resilient cities and communities,” the Forum will place housing at the centre of discussions on sustainable urban development and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 11.

During the briefing, Edlam Yemeru, Director of the Global Knowledge and Advocacy Division at UN-Habitat, underscored the urgency of addressing the global housing crisis. Nearly three billion people worldwide live in inadequate housing conditions, including more than 1.1 billion in informal settlements. She noted that WUF13 will provide an opportunity to review progress on SDG 11 and take stock of progress made over the ten years since the adoption of the New Urban Agenda.

Gulshan Rzayeva, Deputy National Coordinator of WUF13 and Deputy Chief of Staff of the State Committee on Urban Planning and Architecture of the Republic of Azerbaijan, highlighted the strategic significance of hosting the Forum. She emphasized that WUF13 is envisioned as an action-oriented platform focused on implementation, partnerships, and tangible progress in advancing housing and urban sustainability. Rzayeva also noted that the Forum will elevate housing and urban development discussions to the highest political level.