Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
The 13th World Urban Forum (WUF13), held in Baku and organized by UN-Habitat and the Government of Azerbaijan, concluded with strong endorsement of the 'Baku Call to Action' to address the global housing crisis. This initiative, informed by input from 176 countries, proposes reframing housing as a system interconnected with land, infrastructure, transport, services, and economic opportunities, rather than focusing on construction in isolation.
Attendees discussed confronting a range of interconnected challenges including rising costs, land speculation, displacement, weak governance, and climate-related shocks. The Call advocates for integrated, people-centered solutions that recognize the link between housing and climate justice, noting that the most vulnerable populations face the greatest risks from floods, extreme heat, and environmental hazards.
Efforts also include scaling up climate-resilient housing through nature-based solutions, retrofitting, upgrading informal settlements, and enhancing disaster preparedness. The Call emphasizes turning commitments into action through stronger multilevel governance, expanded financing, improved data, and support for locally led, community-driven approaches.
UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed stressed the importance of sustainable urbanization and adequate housing for advancing the 2030 Agenda. She described housing as fundamental to dignity and linked it to essential needs such as clean water, sanitation, and energy access. The Forum recorded over 57,000 participants from 176 countries, including 11 heads of State, 88 ministers, and 130 mayors, and featured 579 events during the week-long gathering.