Local and regional governments shape priorities for WUF13 through global consultation
The consultation was convened by UN-Habitat in collaboration with the Global Taskforce of Local and Regional Governments and the Local2030 Coalition, as part of the ongoing stakeholder engagement process designed to connect local experience with global urban policy discussions before, during and beyond WUF13.
More than 100 participants from municipalities, regional governments, government associations, and partner organizations joined the session to contribute perspectives on the thematic focus, format and expected outcomes of the Roundtable. Discussions centred on how WUF13 can reflect the realities facing communities and strengthen follow-up after the Forum, particularly through its contribution to the Baku Call to Action.
WUF13 takes place at a critical moment for cities and regions. With the mid-term review of the New Urban Agenda and the ongoing assessment of SDG 11, local and regional governments are playing an increasingly visible role in shaping global conversations on housing, resilience and multilevel governance. The Roundtable will provide a dedicated space to articulate how local authorities are delivering on housing, land management, basic services and resilience, and what enabling conditions are needed to scale impact.
During the consultation, participants shared priorities across regions, including strengthening local and regional capacity to finance and deliver housing, improving access to land and planning tools, and reducing procedural barriers that delay implementation. Many underscored the importance of multilevel governance arrangements, from metropolitan coordination mechanisms to institutional strategies, to align local action with national policies and investment frameworks.
The links between housing, climate risk and environmental pressures were also featured. Participants noted that inadequate planning can increase exposure to flooding, public health crises and displacement, while affordability gaps continue to affect households that fall between eligibility for public support and access to market finance.
Throughout the discussion, speakers stressed the value of grounding global agendas in lived experience and practical solutions, and of sustaining dialogue beyond one-off consultations. Organizers confirmed that the inputs gathered will inform the further development of the Roundtable and related WUF13 processes.
Through a sequence of consultations, dialogues and co-creation moments, stakeholders are helping shape World Urban Forum sessions and collective priorities, as well as contributing to additional related processes, including SDGs and New Urban Agenda reporting. To contribute to the ongoing conversations shaping the future of cities, register as a stakeholder.