On the first day of the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13), which will be held in Baku from May 17 to 22, a ministerial-level meeting will be organized as a new initiative of WUF13 regarding the New Urban Agenda.
This was reported to “Elchi” by the WUF13 Azerbaijan Operating Company.
It was noted that this meeting, which coincides with the midpoint of the 20-year implementation period of the New Urban Agenda, provides an opportunity to evaluate progress made, identify existing challenges, and shape the next phase of implementation.
At this meeting, to be held on May 17 under the Presidency of Azerbaijan, government representatives will gather to review the implementation of the New Urban Agenda and discuss priorities for the next phase leading up to 2036. In line with the WUF13 theme, “Home Away from Home: Synthesizing Inclusive, Sustainable, and Resilient Cities and Settlements,” special attention will be paid to housing as a key factor driving inclusivity, sustainability, and resilient urban development.
Global assessment and new political momentum
The ministerial meeting will provide a platform for countries to exchange experiences, identify existing gaps, and strengthen commitments to the New Urban Agenda. At the same time, the meeting will contribute to increasing political momentum ahead of the high-level review to be held at the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in 2026.
Participants will discuss the role of housing as a key driver for three main areas – social inclusion and poverty reduction, economic prosperity and opportunities, as well as environmental sustainability and climate resilience – and will review the results achieved, as well as national approaches and priorities for the next phase.
High-level dialogue and thematic panels
The event will begin with a high-level dialogue organized with the participation of the Government of Azerbaijan, the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), and UN representatives. This will be followed by statements from ministers reflecting the national achievements and priority areas of member states.
In the second half of the day, three thematic panels will be held on the following topics:
– Housing for social inclusion and poverty eradication
– Housing for urban prosperity and opportunities for all
– Housing for environmentally sustainable and climate-resilient urban development.
These sessions will bring together governments, UN agencies, civil society, and local authorities to share both practical approaches and solutions on the topic.
The meeting will conclude with the adoption of a Chair’s Summary. In addition to reflecting key recommendations, this document will contribute to global reporting processes, as well as to the final documents of WUF13, including the Baku Call to Action.
As an integral part of the comprehensive WUF13 program, the ministerial meeting will strengthen the event’s role as a global platform for dialogue, partnership, and action by aligning public policy with local implementation to accelerate progress on sustainable urbanization.