WUF13 Concludes in Baku: Housing Recognized as a Global Priority
- May 22
- 3 min read
The thirteenth session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13), organized by UN-Habitat in partnership with the Government of Azerbaijan, concluded in Baku with a high-level closing press conference, hosted by Katerina Bezgachina, Chief of Communications at UN-Habitat, summarizing the outcomes of one of the world’s largest international platforms dedicated to sustainable urban development, housing policy, and climate resilience.
Held under the theme “Housing the World: Safe and Resilient Cities and Communities,” the forum brought together tens of thousands of participants, including government officials, international organizations, municipalities, businesses, academics, and civil society representatives.
More Than 57,000 Participants and a Global Agenda
Anar Guliyev, Chairman of Azerbaijan’s State Committee for Urban Planning and Architecture and National Coordinator of WUF13, described the forum as
“a natural continuation” of Azerbaijan’s efforts to implement the UN New Urban Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals."
According to Guliyev, more than 53,500 participants attended WUF13, including approximately 50,000 in person and over 3,000 online. More than 400 major events were organized during the forum, with representatives from 125 countries taking part.
Executive Director of UN-Habitat Anacláudia Rossbach presented even larger figures:
“More than 57,000 participants from 176 countries took part in the forum. This reflects the urgency of the moment: cities are demanding solutions, and partners are responding.”
She emphasized that the forum once again confirmed its status as the leading global platform for sustainable urbanization and the future of cities.
The central focus of the forum was the global housing crisis, intensified by climate change, armed conflicts, and rising social inequality.
UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed stressed that housing policy must be viewed not only as an infrastructure issue, but also as a matter of human dignity.
“Housing is a global agenda for local action.”
She added that sustainable development cannot be achieved without the active participation of local communities, municipalities, and civil society:
“Cities must work for everyone — especially children, women, young people, persons with disabilities, migrants, and those living in informal settlements.”
Anar Guliyev also underlined the broader significance of housing policy:
“Housing is not only a basic human necessity, but also the foundation of dignity, resilience, social inclusion, and economic opportunity.”
He further recalled that Article 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights recognizes housing as a fundamental human right.
One of the key elements of the forum was Azerbaijan’s presentation of reconstruction and redevelopment programs in its liberated territories.
According to Guliyev, the country is currently implementing one of the world’s most ambitious reconstruction initiatives:
“Azerbaijan is building 12 cities and more than 300 villages virtually from scratch within the framework of the Great Return Programme.”
He noted that these projects are based on principles of sustainable development, smart urban planning, and climate resilience.
One of the major outcomes of WUF13 was the adoption of the Baku Call to Action, a document intended to guide international housing and sustainable urban development policies in the coming years.
Anacláudia Rossbach emphasized:
“Housing is no longer a sectoral issue. It is a systemic challenge that shapes inequality, resilience, and stability in societies.”
Among the key priorities outlined in the document are:
scaling up affordable housing;
developing climate-resilient infrastructure;
strengthening local governments;
reforming housing finance systems;
expanding international cooperation.
During the closing press conference, Mexico’s representative Maria Victoria Romero Caballero confirmed that the next World Urban Forum, WUF14, will take place in Mexico City in 2028.
She thanked Azerbaijan for hosting the event and highlighted the strong engagement of young people and volunteers throughout the forum.
Participants repeatedly stressed that the world is entering a period in which cities are becoming central to solving global crises — from climate change to migration and social instability.
Closing the forum, Amina J. Mohammed stated:
“It is time to house the world and give every person a life of dignity.”
