On the first day of WUF13, a ministerial-level meeting will take placeOn the first day of the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13), which will be held in Baku on 17-22 M

On the first day of the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13), which will be held in Baku on May 17-22, a ministerial meeting dedicated to the New Urban Agenda will be organized as a new WUF13 initiative.

This was reported by the WUF13 Operating Company.

It is noted that this meeting, timed to coincide with the midpoint of the 20-year implementation period of the New Urban Agenda, provides an opportunity to assess the progress achieved, identify existing challenges, and shape the next phase of implementation.

At the meeting, which will be held on May 17 under the chairmanship of Azerbaijan, government representatives will gather to review the progress of the New Urban Agenda implementation and discuss priorities for the next phase until 2036. In line with the WUF13 theme "Housing for All: Safe and Sustainable Cities and Human Settlements," these discussions will place particular emphasis on housing as a key factor contributing to inclusiveness and sustainable urban development.

Global assessment and new political momentum

The ministerial meeting will provide countries with a platform for sharing experiences, identifying existing gaps, and strengthening commitments to the New Urban Agenda. At the same time, the meeting will contribute to building political momentum ahead of the high-level review to be held at the UN General Assembly in 2026.

Participants will discuss the key driving role of housing across three main dimensions — social inclusiveness and poverty reduction, economic prosperity and opportunities, and environmental sustainability and climate resilience — and will review the results achieved, as well as national approaches and priorities for the next phase.

High-level dialogue and thematic panels

The event will begin with a high-level dialogue organized with the participation of the Government of Azerbaijan, the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), and UN representatives. Following this, ministers will deliver statements reflecting the national achievements and priority areas of member states.

In the afternoon, three thematic panels will be held on the following topics:

- housing for social inclusiveness and poverty eradication;

- housing for urban well-being and opportunities for all;

- housing for environmentally sustainable and climate-resilient urban development.

These sessions will bring together governments, UN entities, civil society, and local authorities to share both practical approaches and solutions on the subject.

The meeting will conclude with the adoption of a "Chair's Summary" document. Along with reflecting key recommendations, this document will contribute to global-level reporting processes, as well as to the outcome documents of WUF13, including the "Baku Call to Action" document.

As an integral part of the extensive WUF13 program, the ministerial meeting will strengthen the role of the event as a global platform for dialogue, partnership, and action by aligning government policies with local-level implementation in order to accelerate work on sustainable urbanization.