Baku, 17 May 2026 — Ministers and high-level representatives from across the world gathered at the thirteenth session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) for the Ministerial Meeting on the New Urban Agenda, placing housing at the centre of discussions on inclusion, economic opportunity and climate resilience.

“As we open today’s discussions, I encourage ministers and all participants to share both achievements and lessons,” said Anacláudia Rossbach, Executive Director of UN-Habitat. “What has worked? What has blocked progress? What partnerships, policies and investments are needed to deliver adequate housing for all and accelerate implementation of the New Urban Agenda to 2036?"

Held under the theme Housing the world: Safe and resilient cities and communities, the Ministerial Meeting brought together national governments, local leaders and international partners at a critical moment for cities. Ten years after the adoption of the New Urban Agenda, and with urban challenges becoming increasingly interconnected, ministers discussed how housing can serve as a foundation for sustainable urban development and help deliver global commitments, including the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement.

“This gathering in Baku carries special significance, because it brings together global reflections and local experience,” said Anar Guliyev, Chairman of the State Committee on Urban Planning and Architecture of the Republic of Azerbaijan and WUF13 National Coordinator. Cities around the world face the growing pressure from rapid urbanization and housing shortages to climate risk and post-conflict recovery. The need for stronger international cooperation and practical solutions has never been greater.

Across three high-level discussions, ministers discussed practical pathways to strengthen implementation of the New Urban Agenda and accelerate progress in the decade ahead.

The first panel focused on Housing for social inclusion and ending poverty, highlighting how adequate housing can help break cycles of inequality and exclusion. Discussions explored approaches to strengthen social and public housing systems, improve conditions in informal settlements, and ensure that housing policies reach groups most at risk of being left behind.

Ministers also considered how changing global realities are creating new pressures. Climate-related disasters, displacement, rising housing costs and geopolitical instability are affecting housing systems worldwide, requiring stronger policy responses and long-term investment.

The second discussion, Housing for urban prosperity and opportunities for all, focused on housing as a driver of economic growth and human development. Ministers explored how housing systems can support employment, strengthen productivity and expand opportunities, particularly for women, youth and vulnerable groups.

Participants highlighted the importance of integrated approaches that connect housing with land management, infrastructure, transport systems and local economic development. Discussions also emphasized the role of local governments and the need for stronger institutional and financing frameworks to support implementation.

The third panel examined Housing for environmentally sustainable and resilient urban development, addressing the growing intersection between housing and climate action. 

Housing and urban development are increasingly recognized as critical elements of climate solutions. The buildings and construction sector accounts for a significant share of global greenhouse gas emissions, while millions of people living in inadequate housing remain disproportionately exposed to climate risks.

Ministers discussed approaches to align housing strategies with climate goals, including through low-carbon construction, resilient planning, upgrading informal settlements and stronger connections between housing and urban development policies and national climate commitments.

The discussion also built on momentum generated through recent climate processes, including the Fourth Ministerial Meeting on Urbanization and Climate Change at COP30, which reaffirmed the importance of stronger cooperation across levels of government and greater integration between climate and urban agendas.

Throughout the meeting, ministers participated in commitment rounds, identifying priority shifts needed to accelerate implementation of the New Urban Agenda and strengthen housing systems over the coming decade.

The Ministerial Meeting forms part of wider discussions taking place throughout WUF13 and will contribute to broader outcomes emerging from the Forum, including continued efforts to strengthen international cooperation on housing and sustainable urban development.

As cities continue to grow and face increasingly complex challenges, participants underscored a common message: delivering adequate housing for all is not only a social imperative, but a necessary investment in the future of people, cities and the planet.

Cover photo:  © UN-Habitat