BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 6. The full program for
the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13), set to take
place in Baku from May 17–22, 2026, has been released to the
public, Trend
reports.


The announcement was made by the WUF13 Azerbaijan Operating
Company.


Officials said the program brings together governments, experts,
communities, and partner organizations to address one of the
world’s most urgent challenges: housing provision. The forum will
focus on the theme “Housing for All: Safe and Sustainable Cities
and Communities.”


WUF13 will serve as a global platform for exchanging ideas,
shaping policy approaches, and accelerating action on sustainable
urban development. The agenda includes high-level discussions
designed to link global policy with local implementation.


Focus on the global housing crisis


Key dialogues will examine issues such as the global housing
shortage, the transformation of informal settlements, post-crisis
urban reconstruction, the relationship between climate policy and
housing, and new financing models for housing systems.







Specialized sessions and global participation


The program also includes thematic sessions on climate
adaptation, urban renewal, digitalization, financing mechanisms,
and inclusive development. Featured discussions will highlight
topics such as affordable housing in Africa, circular economy
approaches to waste management, and sustainable urban resilience in
small island developing states. Additional formats include
assemblies bringing together local governments, parliamentarians,
youth, women, businesses, and civil society groups, as well as
roundtable sessions focused on turning dialogue into action.


The forum’s roundtables will consist of 12 dedicated sessions
organized by stakeholder group or thematic area, bringing together
participants around shared priorities and expertise. The sessions
include representatives from:



  • The United Nations system

  • Local and regional governments

  • Business organizations

  • Women’s groups

  • Persons with disabilities

  • Parliamentary representatives

  • Academic institutions

  • Children and youth

  • Professionals

  • Local and civil society organizations

  • Indigenous peoples’ rights advocates

  • Older persons’ rights advocates


Organizers say the format is designed to foster focused dialogue
and strengthen inclusive participation across key sectors involved
in urban development policy.


More details and the full program are available through the
official WUF13 website: https://wuf.unhabitat.org/main-events