Baku: The program for the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13), scheduled to take place in Baku from May 17-22, has been announced to the public, as reported by the WUF13 Azerbaijan Operations Company to APA. The event will convene representatives from various stakeholders and groups to engage in discussions on the critical global issue of housing provision.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the WUF13 event is themed 'Housing for All: Safe and Sustainable Cities and Human Settlements'. It aims to bring together national governments, communities, experts, and partners to exchange ideas on sustainable urban development, shape policies, and accelerate action. The program promises high-level discussions through solution-oriented platforms and interactive meeting formats, ensuring that global policies are informed by local experiences.

The program includes several high-level dialogues focusing on the relationship between housing provision, inclusivity, sustainability, and urban systems. These dialogues will address significant aspects of housing provision, such as the global housing crisis, the transformation of informal settlements, housing provision in post-crisis recovery, climate and housing policy links, social and economic impacts, and new financing approaches.

Special sessions will delve into key urban development issues, including climate adaptation, urban renewal, digitalization, and financing mechanisms. These sessions will highlight experiences and innovative approaches from various regions, covering topics like affordable housing in Africa, cultural heritage and urban regeneration, waste management, and sustainable tourism.

Assemblies will provide a platform for diverse groups, including governments, community organizations, and industry sectors, to express their views and voice common priorities. These assemblies aim to promote dialogue and ensure diverse opinions are reflected in the event outcomes, strengthening advocacy for sustainable urban development.

Roundtables will transform dialogue into action by facilitating discussions among partners on key urban issues. These sessions will focus on stakeholder groups or thematic areas, such as local governments, business organizations, academia, and civil society, presenting projects and initiatives that emphasize inclusivity and mutual learning.