More than 40,000 delegates from 182 countries will gather in Baku from May 17 to 22 for the 13th session of the World Urban Forum, as UN-Habitat warns of a worsening global housing crisis. According to the agency, nearly 3 billion people worldwide lack adequate housing, while more than 1 billion already live in slums or informal settlements. Without urgent action, the number of people living in slum conditions could triple by 2050.
This year’s forum, themed “Housing for All: Safe and Sustainable Cities and Communities,” will focus on practical solutions such as affordable housing, climate resilience, land rights, and urban planning. UN-Habitat officials say rising housing costs, rapid urbanization, migration, and climate change are putting growing pressure on cities worldwide. The organization also highlighted that over 300 million people are homeless globally, while millions more have been displaced by conflicts and environmental crises.
Hosting WUF13 is seen as a major opportunity for Azerbaijan to strengthen its role in global discussions on sustainable urban development and post-conflict reconstruction. Experts pointed to the country’s rebuilding efforts in the Karabakh region, where “smart city” and sustainable housing concepts are being integrated into large-scale reconstruction projects. Analysts expect the forum in Baku to become the largest World Urban Forum ever held.
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