BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 22. The World Urban Forum
(WUF) must become the key platform for monitoring the
implementation of the New Urban Agenda, according to the Baku Call to Action, the official final
document of the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) in
Baku, Trend
reports.
The document notes that commitments in the housing sector are
not lacking, but their implementation continues to lag behind due
to weak coordination, limited capacity, and inefficient
systems.
"We call for implementation of national housing strategies, with
clear pathways, measurable targets and strong monitoring and
reporting mechanisms, alongside sustained investment in education,
training and professional development systems that strengthen
implementation capacity. We encourage civil society, local,
regional and national governments to establish partnerships, strong
National Habitat Forums and joint committees to build capacity,
strengthen coordination, document successful practices and monitor
progress. At a global level, we encourage UN-Habitat to use the
World Urban Forum as a key convenor to monitor progress in the
implementation of the New Urban Agenda and scale up successful
housing practices," the Baku Call to Action reads.
The thirteenth session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) was held
in Baku from May 17 to May 22.
Convened by UN-Habitat and co-organized with the Government of
the Republic of Azerbaijan, WUF13 was held under the theme “Housing
the world: Safe and resilient cities and communities”.
The Forum hosted 579 sessions throughout the week, while the
Urban Expo brought together 260 exhibitors, innovators and solution
providers. WUF13 featured 11 heads of state, 9 high-level guests,
88 ministers and 76 deputy ministers, and 130 mayors, alongside
representatives of international organizations, financial
institutions, academia, civil society and grassroots
organizations.
