Baku: A Ministerial Meeting on the New Urban Agenda is set to inaugurate the thirteenth session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13), taking place from 17 to 22 May 2026 in Baku, Azerbaijan. This initiative marks a new feature in the Forum's agenda, as reported by WUF13 Azerbaijan Operations Company to APA.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the meeting, chaired by Azerbaijan and scheduled for 17 May 2026, offers a strategic opportunity at the midpoint of the New Urban Agenda's 20-year timeline. Government representatives will gather to assess progress, identify challenges, and chart priorities for the forthcoming phase up to 2036. The meeting will align with the WUF13 theme, 'Housing the world: Safe and resilient cities and communities', emphasizing housing as a catalyst for inclusion, resilience, and sustainable urban development.
The Ministerial Meeting aims to facilitate a global stocktake and revive political momentum, providing a platform for countries to share experiences, recognize gaps, and reinforce commitments to the New Urban Agenda. This effort will also contribute to building momentum toward the high-level review of the Agenda at the United Nations General Assembly in 2026. Participants are expected to explore housing's role as a key driver across social inclusion, economic prosperity, and environmental sustainability, while reflecting on national progress and priorities for the next phase.
The event will commence with a high-level dialogue involving representatives from the Government of Azerbaijan, UN-Habitat, and the United Nations system, followed by ministerial statements from Member States that will highlight national achievements and future goals. In the afternoon, three thematic panels will concentrate on housing for social inclusion and poverty eradication, urban prosperity and opportunities, and environmentally sustainable and resilient urban development. These sessions will unite governments, UN entities, civil society, and local authorities to exchange practical approaches and solutions.