The program covering the main events of the Thirteenth session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13), which will be held in Baku from May 17 to 22, 2026, has already been presented to the public.
This information was provided to Medianews.az by the WUF13 Operating Company.
The mentioned program brings together representatives of various stakeholders and like-minded groups within the framework of WUF13 to discuss the issue of housing provision, one of the most urgent global challenges.
The WUF13 event, dedicated to the theme "Housing for All: Safe and Sustainable Cities and Settlements," will bring together national governments of different countries, as well as communities, experts, and partners, to exchange ideas on solutions related to sustainable urban development, formulate political approaches, and accelerate actions.
The program enables high-level discussions through practical and solution-oriented platforms, as well as interactive dialogue formats, ensuring the integration of global policy with local experience.
For more detailed information about each category and to familiarize yourself with the full WUF13 event program, you can follow this link: https://wuf.unhabitat.org/main-events
Dialogues: shaping the global housing agenda
High-level dialogues shaping the direction of global discussions constitute the core of the WUF13 program. Within these dialogues, the connection between housing provision, inclusivity, sustainability, and urban systems will be explored. Additionally, each dialogue will address a significant aspect of housing provision:
• The global housing crisis: what is the way out?
• Transformation of informal settlements and slums
• Housing provision in post-crisis urban recovery and reconstruction
• The relationship between climate and housing policy
• The social and economic impact of housing provision
• New approaches to financing housing provision
The purpose of these discussions is to link global problems with practical solutions and shared commitments.
Special sessions: in-depth discussion of important urban development issues
Special sessions focus on topics such as climate adaptation, housing provision, informal settlements, urban renewal, digitalization, financing mechanisms, and inclusive urban development.
These sessions provide a platform for more specific discussions, showcasing experiences, partnership relations, and innovative approaches from different regions.
• Housing provision at the center of global coalitions
• Special session of the WUF13 host country
• The pulse of healthy homes
• Accessible housing in Africa (special session in the format of a compact negotiation room for investors)
• Cities as play spaces
• Cultural heritage and inclusive urban regeneration - a new perspective
• From waste management towards a circular economy
• Stories "From the frontlines": development of urban climate heritage
• Inclusive urban sustainability, the "blue" economy, and sustainable tourism in small developing island states
• WUF13 special closing session
Assemblies: the power of collective voices
Assemblies create special platforms for various like-minded groups to come together, express their roles, and articulate common priorities within the global urban agenda framework. Assemblies will bring together representatives of local and regional governments, local and community-based organizations, as well as women, youth, business sectors, industry representatives, including members of parliament, to exchange views on key urban development issues.
By promoting dialogue among these groups, the assemblies will contribute to reflecting diverse opinions in the outcomes of the event and strengthen collective advocacy for sustainable urban development.
Roundtables: from dialogue to action
At the Forum, roundtables will also be organized—activity-oriented sessions bringing partners and colleagues together to exchange ideas on key urban development issues. These discussions will serve as a platform for identifying common positions and exploring possible options to address emerging challenges, as well as showcasing projects, initiatives, and scientific research activities that embody the value of inclusivity and mutual learning on an equal level.
The roundtables consist of 12 sessions dedicated to specific like-minded groups or thematic areas:
• United Nations System
• Local and regional governments
• Business organizations
• Women
• Persons with disabilities
• Members of parliament
• Academic circles
• Children and youth
• Professionals
• Local and civil society organizations
• Indigenous peoples’ rights
• Rights of older persons
Explore the full program of WUF13 and participate in the event to contribute to promoting the global housing provision topic.