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WUF13 highlights the human impact of housing challenges

Today at the thirteenth World Urban Forum (WUF13), discussions continued around housing, inclusion and implementation, while renewed attention was placed on the role of housing as a foundation for opportunity and human development.

Opening the Special Session on the Africa Affordable Housing Compact, United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed underscored the urgency of the global housing challenge, stating that “the first place where opportunity begins or where it is denied, is the home.”

With more than one in three people globally still lacking adequate housing, discussions also built on momentum from the African Urban Forum, where the Compact was endorsed as a shared commitment for action. Bringing together governments, financial institutions, private sector actors and development partners, the Compact aims to unlock investment and scale affordable housing solutions across the continent.

Human stories behind housing challenges

As discussions on housing continued across WUF13, attention also turned to the people behind the statistics. The documentary “What No One Wants to See” was screened at the Urban Cinema. Produced by Spanish foundation HOGAR SÍ with the patronage of The Gere Foundation, the film explored homelessness and affordable housing through personal stories conducted by actor Richard Gere and wife Alejandra. 

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 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
Richard Gere appears in “What No One Wants to See: Homelessness, a Cause We Must Make Visible,” screened at WUF13’s Urban Cinema. © UN-Habitat / Alyar Ramazanov

Housing beyond construction

Two dialogues at WUF13 examined the broader systems needed to address the global housing challenge, focusing on both recovery and financing. Discussions on Housing at the Centre of Crisis Recovery and Reconstruction emphasized that rebuilding after crises extends beyond constructing homes, requiring stronger land rights, livelihoods, local governance and access to services that support communities over the long term. 

Meanwhile, the Dialogue A New Deal for Housing Finance explored how governments and partners can mobilize investment at the scale needed to deliver affordable housing, highlighting experiences from countries including Brazil, India and Uruguay. Across both discussions, a common message emerged: housing is not only about building structures, but about creating communities, opportunities and long-term resilience.

WUF13