Executive Director, UN-Habitat, Ms Anacláudia Rossbach.

Responding to the global housing crisis: World Urban Forum in Baku

Marking a pivotal moment for global urban development, the 13th edition of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) will take place in Baku, Azerbaijan, from May 17-22 under the theme “Housing the world: Safe and resilient cities and communities”.
The Forum is co-organised by the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) and the government of Azerbaijan.
At a critical midpoint in the implementation of the New Urban Agenda and progress towards Sustainable Development Goal 11, the Forum is expected to serve as a global checkpoint and a platform for renewed commitment to sustainable urbanisation.

Regional Director, Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, UN-Habitat, Ms Kazuko Ishigaki.

Established in 2001 by the United Nations, the World Urban Forum is the premier global conference on sustainable urbanisation, designed to examine the impacts of rapid urbanisation on cities, communities, economies, and climate change.
With housing at the centre of the WUF13 agenda, high-level dialogues will explore the global housing crisis, the transformation of informal settlements and slums, crisis recovery and reconstruction, climate-housing linkages, the social and economic power of housing, and housing finance.
At a time when cities worldwide face mounting pressures from housing shortages, climate change, informality, and inequality, WUF13 positions housing not merely as a sectoral issue, but as the foundation of inclusive and resilient development.

Baku, Azerbaijan, will host the thirteenth session of the World Urban Forum from May 17 to 22, 2026.

By elevating housing within global policy discussions, the Forum aims to catalyse partnerships, mobilise financing, and strengthen political leadership to address the global housing crisis.
As part of preparations for WUF13, an online regional media briefing for the Asia-Pacific was convened under a global series of media engagements aimed at strengthening awareness of the Forum and highlighting its relevance to regional urban priorities.
In a recorded message, Anacláudia Rossbach, Executive Director of UN-Habitat, underscored the urgency of placing housing at the heart of global urban discussions. “WUF13 will place housing at the centre of global discussions – not only as a basic human right, but as a foundation for inclusion and climate- and crisis-responsive development,” she said.
During the briefing, UN-Habitat Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific, Kazuko Ishigaki, emphasised that “urbanisation is one of the defining forces shaping the Asia-Pacific region and its future.”
The WUF13 provides a critical platform to share knowledge and scale solutions, she said, adding that a strong regional presence will ensure that Asia-Pacific experiences contribute meaningfully to advancing a sustainable urban future.
In Laos, national dialogue on sustainable urban development has been steadily strengthening through the Lao National Urban Forum (LNUF).
Established in 2022, the LNUF serves as a national platform promoting sustainable and resilient urban development aligned with the New Urban Agenda and SDG 11.
The Fourth LNUF, held in October 2025 in Vientiane and Pakse City under the theme “Urban Crisis Response”, was opened by Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone.
The Prime Minister underscored the importance of addressing affordable housing and urban resilience as central pillars of Laos’ development pathway; priorities that closely align with the global focus of WUF13 on safe and resilient cities and communities.
The Forum also serves as an important step in strengthening Laos’ engagement in WUF13, ensuring that national experiences and commitments inform global dialogue.
By linking national dialogue with global platforms, countries like Laos ensure that local experiences inform international commitments, while global frameworks reinforce national action.

By Times Reporters
(Latest Update March 3, 2026)