Cities and countries invited to express interest in hosting WUF15 in 2030
Up to 3.4 billion people worldwide lack access to adequate housing, while more than 1.1 billion live in slums or informal settlements. At the same time, cities face growing pressure to provide basic services, infrastructure and opportunities for all as they respond to rapid urbanization and climate change.
Hosting WUF offers cities and countries an opportunity to showcase local approaches to sustainable urban development, share experience with an international audience and build international partnerships to address shared urban challenges.
Convened by UN-Habitat since 2002, the World Urban Forum is the premier global platform for dialogue and knowledge exchange on sustainable urbanization. Held every two years in a different host city, WUF brings together governments, local authorities, civil society, academia, the private sector, international organizations and communities to advance the New Urban Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals.
The most recent session, WUF13, took place in Baku, Azerbaijan, in May 2026 under the theme “Housing the world: Safe and resilient cities and communities,” attracting more than 58,000 participants from 176 countries.
Following WUF14 in Mexico City in 2028, WUF15 will bring the global urban community together again in 2030 to exchange knowledge, share experiences and advance sustainable urbanization.
How to express interest
Cities and countries wishing to host WUF15 should submit an official, signed communication on letterhead, addressed to the Executive Director of UN-Habitat, to [email protected] by 30 November 2026.
The formal bidding process will follow in 2027, with the official handover to the selected host expected during WUF14 in 2028.
Hosting requires financial and in-kind contributions, including conference facilities, logistical support, interpretation and security arrangements in accordance with United Nations standards. Prospective hosts should consult the call document for the full requirements and selection timeline.