WUF 13: Ministerial-level meeting on New Urban Agenda underway under Azerbaijan's chairmanship

On May 17, the first day of the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) began with a new initiative - a ministerial-level meeting on the New Urban Agenda chaired by Azerbaijan.

According to Report, the meeting, which coincides with the mid-term phase of the 20-year implementation period of the agenda, will provide an important opportunity to review achieved results, identify existing challenges, and define directions for the next phase.

At the meeting, built on the agenda's three transformative commitments - social inclusion and poverty eradication, shared prosperity, and environmental sustainability - housing provision is emphasized both as a human right and as a catalyst for economic opportunity, resilience, and climate action.

Despite global commitments, access to adequate housing remains unavailable for billions of people, with inequalities disproportionately affecting marginalized groups and people living in informal settlements. At the same time, climate change, urbanization pressures, and geopolitical crises are further exacerbating housing challenges worldwide.

The aim of the meeting is to renew global commitment to the program, place housing at the center of policy action, and accelerate implementation pathways toward 2036. It will also contribute to shaping global urban policy discussions and promoting integrated solutions linking housing, climate action, and sustainable development.