The third day of the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku has started.
Modern.az reports that on the third day of the forum, co-organized by the UN Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) and the Government of Azerbaijan, discussions will be held on housing provision, sustainable urban development, urbanization, climate change, and digital urban solutions.
The day's program focuses on the global housing crisis, the formation of safe and inclusive cities, climate resilience, and innovative urbanization models. The session titled “Global Housing Crisis: What's the Plan?” will also include discussions on housing affordability, social equality, and improving living conditions in cities.
Within the framework of the forum, topics such as “The Social and Economic Power of Housing,” “Digital Technologies for Cities,” “From Data to Decisions: Spatial Analysis and Housing for All,” “Climate-Resilient Cities and Communities,” and “Urban Planning is Climate Action” are also in focus. The sessions emphasize the role of digital solutions, data-driven governance, and green technologies in the future development of cities.
During the third day, sessions are also planned on topics such as “Housing for All,” “Safe and Sustainable Living for Women's Empowerment,” “Inclusive Cities for Persons with Disabilities,” “The Role of Youth in Urban Governance,” “Directing Climate Finance to Cities,” “Sustainable and Accessible Transport,” “Reconstruction of War-Affected Cities,” and “Transformation of Informal Settlements.”
The forum's program places special emphasis on coordinating the urbanization and climate agenda. Topics such as “Heat-Resilient Cities,” “Nature-Based Solutions,” “Green and Sustainable Living,” “Water Resource Management,” and “Energy Justice in Cities” highlight the connections between urbanization and environmental sustainability.
Today will also feature the presentation of the “World Cities Report 2026,” high-level meetings for the African region and other international platforms, as well as special sessions on urban development and housing policy.
Within the framework of WUF13, reconstruction projects implemented in Azerbaijan's liberated territories, and the concepts of “smart city,” “smart village,” and “green energy zone” are also presented to international participants. Projects implemented in Karabakh and East Zangazur are presented as examples of sustainable urbanization.
It should be noted that the first two days of the forum were also marked by an extensive program of events. The first day included a ministerial meeting dedicated to the New Urban Agenda, roundtable discussions, women's and civil society assemblies, and business sessions.
The second day attracted attention with the first-ever Leaders' Summit. High-level discussions on the global housing crisis, urbanization policy, and urban sustainability were held within the framework of the summit. Also, the pavilion of Mexico City was opened within WUF13.
For information, WUF13, covering May 17-22, is co-organized by the UN Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) and the Government of Azerbaijan.
