k254 Nairobi News

 

UN-Habitat engages Arab media ahead of the thirteenth session of the

World Urban Forum (WUF13)

Nairobi/ Cairo, 12 February 2026 — UN-Habitat convened its first online regional media

briefing for journalists and correspondents across the Arab States to share the latest

updates on preparations for the thirteenth session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13), to be

held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from 17 to 22 May 2026 under the theme “Housing the world: Safe

and resilient cities and communities.”

The briefing is part of a broader series of regional engagements aimed at strengthening

media awareness of WUF13 and presenting its relevance to regional urban priorities.

Moderated by the UN-Habitat Regional Office for the Arab States, the session brought

together senior representatives from UN-Habitat, the host country Azerbaijan, and Egypt,

host of the previous session of the World Urban Forum.

Through a recorded video message, UN-Habitat Executive Director Anacláudia Rossbach

underscored the importance of WUF13 at a key moment for the urban agenda, noting that

“WUF13 will place housing at the centre of global discussions – not only as a basic human

right, but as a foundation for inclusion and climate and crisis-responsive development.”

Representing the host country, Elkhan Polukhov, Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan

to Egypt, outlined Azerbaijan’s preparations for WUF13 and reaffirmed the country’s

commitment to delivering an inclusive, action-oriented Forum. He noted that hosting WUF13

marks an important milestone for Azerbaijan and reflects its growing engagement in global

urban dialogue.

Highlighting the country’s experience in smart villages, smart cities and green energy zones,

he added: “We are ready to share our experience and learn from others. We invite you to

come to Baku, expand your networks and work together on advancing urban solutions.”

Reflections were also shared by Egypt, host of WUF12 held in Cairo in November 2024.

Hosam AlKaweesh, Assistant Minister of Local Development for International Cooperation,

highlighted how WUF12 reinforced the role of local governments in advancing sustainable

urban development and strengthening international cooperation.

He noted that Egypt is preparing to actively contribute to WUF13 through dedicated events

and knowledge exchange, sharing national experiences and building partnerships with other

countries. “We remain committed to supporting regional and international urban dialogueand to translating shared visions into practical projects that deliver sustainable urban

development on the ground,” he said.

A decisive urban moment for the Arab region

Over the past three decades, the population of the Arab States region has doubled to around

500 million people and is projected to reach one billion by 2060. Rapid urbanization, climate

pressures and protracted crises are intensifying demands on housing, infrastructure and

basic services, placing cities at the centre of stability, recovery and human dignity.

UN-Habitat’s regional and country representatives highlighted how WUF13 will provide a

space to advance solutions aligned with Arab States’ urban development priorities, including

housing affordability, informal settlements, climate resilience, crisis recovery and inclusive

urban growth.

“These realities make one message clear: urban development is no longer a sectoral issue.

It is central to stability, inclusion, resilience, and human dignity. At the heart of this is

adequate housing – not only as shelter, but as a foundation for health, education,

livelihoods, and social cohesion,” stressed Rania Hedeya, UN-Habitat Regional Director for

Arab States.

Building on the legacy of WUF12 in Cairo, WUF13 offers a timely opportunity to connect

regional experience with global dialogue and action. Ahmed Rezk, UN-Habitat Egypt Country

Representative, noted: “WUF12 convened over 25,000 participants from 182 countries. This

year, we are expanding that experience through Egypt’s Urban Week, broadening

engagement at the national level and connecting diverse activities that contribute to the

lead-up to WUF13.”

From global dialogue to urban implementation

Across six days, WUF13 will bring ministers, regional governors, mayors, urban planners,

policymakers, the private sector, community leaders, civil society, academics and UN

agencies from around the world.

Marking the midpoint of the implementation of the New Urban Agenda, WUF13 will include a

high-level segment and ministerial meeting on the New Urban Agenda, offering governments

a space to reaffirm commitments and align national policies with global priorities.

Featuring more than 300 events, the Forum’s programme will span high-level dialogues on

the global housing crisis, informal settlements, crisis recovery and reconstruction, climate-

housing linkages, the social and economic power of housing, and housing finance, alongside

assemblies, special sessions, partner-led events, and the Urban Expo.

 

The Forum will conclude with the Baku Call to Action, an outcome document aimed at

accelerating global progress on adequate housing and sustainable urban development.

About the World Urban Forum

Established in 2001 by the United Nations, the World Urban Forum is the premier global

conference on sustainable urbanization, designed to examine the impacts of rapid

urbanization on cities, communities, economies, and climate change. Since its inception,

WUF has been hosted in cities across the world, with the first session held in Nairobi, Kenya,

in 2002.

About UN-Habitat

UN-Habitat is the United Nations entity responsible for sustainable urbanization. It has

programmes in over 90 countries supporting policymakers and communities to create

socially and environmentally sustainable cities and towns. UN-Habitat promotes

transformative change in cities through knowledge, policy advice, technical assistance, and

collaborative action. To know more, visit unhabitat.org or follow us on social media.

Compiled by

Muhoro Pius W,

Trade,Smart Cities,Mining,Climate,Energy Editor 

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