BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 14. A Ministerial Meeting
on the New Urban Agenda will open the programme of the thirteenth
session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13), to be held from 17 to 22
May 2026 in Baku, Azerbaijan, marking a new feature within the
Forum’s agenda, Trend
reports via WUF13 Azerbaijan Operating Company..


At the midpoint of the New Urban Agenda’s 20-year timeline, the
meeting provides a timely opportunity to assess progress, identify
challenges, and help shape the next phase of implementation.


Chaired by Azerbaijan, the meeting scheduled for 17 May 2026
will bring together government representatives to review the
implementation of the New Urban Agenda and discuss priorities for
the next phase through 2036. In line with the WUF13 theme, “Housing
the world: Safe and resilient cities and communities”, discussions
will place a strong focus on housing as a driver of inclusion,
resilience and sustainable urban development.


A global stocktake and renewed political
momentum


The Ministerial Meeting will provide a platform for countries to
share experiences, identify gaps, and strengthen commitments to the
New Urban Agenda. It will also help build momentum towards the
high-level review of the Agenda at the United Nations General
Assembly in 2026.


Participants will explore how housing can act as a key driver
across three core dimensions— social inclusion and poverty
reduction, economic prosperity and opportunity, and environmental
sustainability and resilience — while reflecting on progress made,
current national approaches and priorities for the next phase of
the New Urban Agenda.


High-level dialogue and thematic panels


The event will open with a high-level dialogue featuring
representatives from the Government of Azerbaijan, UN-Habitat and
the United Nations system, followed by ministerial statements from
Member States reflecting national progress and priorities.


In the afternoon, three thematic panels will focus on:



  • Housing for social inclusion and ending poverty;

  • Housing for urban prosperity and opportunities for all;

  • Housing for environmentally sustainable and resilient urban
    development.


These sessions will bring together governments, UN entities,
civil society and local authorities to share practical approaches
and solutions.


The meeting will conclude with a chair’s summary capturing key
recommendations and contributing to global reporting processes and
the WUF13 outcome documents, including the Baku Call to Action.


As part of the broader WUF13 programme, the Ministerial Meeting
reinforces the Forum’s role as a global platform for dialogue,
partnership and action, connecting national leadership with local
implementation to accelerate progress on sustainable
urbanization.