Baku hosts landmark World Urban Forum as cities face climate and housing pressures

Baku is hosting the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13), bringing together political leaders, urban planners, architects and development experts as cities worldwide face mounting pressure from climate change, rapid urbanisation and housing shortages.

The forum, organised by UN-Habitat in partnership with the Azerbaijani government, is being held under the theme “Housing the World: Safe and Resilient Cities and Communities.” It marks the first time the event has been staged in the Caucasus and wider Central Asian region.

Speaking to AnewZ, David Fernández Puyana, Ambassador and Permanent Observer of the United Nations University for Peace (UPEACE) to the U.N. offices in Vienna and Geneva, described the gathering as “one of the most leading gatherings in the world” focused on the future of cities and housing policy.

He said Azerbaijan’s decision to host the summit reflected the country’s growing international engagement and diplomatic ambitions.

“This shows the leadership of the government of Azerbaijan and their concern about urbanisation in the world,” he said.

Cities under pressure from climate and population growth

The World Urban Forum was first launched in Nairobi in 2002 and has since become one of the United Nations’ leading platforms for discussions on sustainable urban development.

This year’s discussions are taking place against a backdrop of growing concern over overcrowded cities, rising housing costs and the environmental strain on urban areas. According to U.N. estimates, more than half of the global population now lives in cities, a figure expected to rise sharply in the coming decades.

Fernández Puyana warned that climate change was becoming inseparable from urban policy debates, particularly in vulnerable regions such as the Caspian basin.

“We have only to look at what is happening regarding the falling water level of the Caspian Sea,” he said. “We have a really important impact on the future of communities and cities.”

Scientists have increasingly warned that declining water levels in the Caspian Sea, linked partly to rising temperatures and evaporation, could affect coastal infrastructure, trade routes, ecosystems and local economies across the region.

Focus on housing crisis and smart cities

One of the key expected outcomes of the summit is the “Baku Call to Action,” a document aimed at shaping future urban policy and accelerating implementation of the U.N.’s New Urban Agenda.

Fernández Puyana said the declaration should focus on the growing global housing crisis and the need for smarter, more inclusive cities.

“We have in the world today around 3 billion people with housing problems,” he said. “Among them, we have 30 million people homeless in the world and 1.1 billion people living in slums.”

He added that governments and city authorities would need to prioritise sustainable transport, technology and long-term planning as urban populations continue to grow.

The concept of “smart cities” has become increasingly central to global development discussions, with governments investing in digital infrastructure, public transport systems and environmentally sustainable urban design to improve living conditions and reduce emissions.

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Forum also seen through lens of regional peace and reconstruction

Beyond housing and infrastructure, the summit has also drawn attention for its broader geopolitical significance.

Fernández Puyana linked the event to wider regional efforts aimed at stability and economic development, saying investment in cities could help create “more prosperous and peaceful societies.”

He also stressed the importance of urban planning in post-conflict recovery, arguing that rebuilding efforts should focus on inclusion and long-term resilience.

“We need to make them smarter cities, cities in which we welcome all people, regardless of race, sex, culture or religion,” he said.

“The role played by governments, mayors and local actors is extremely important in post-conflict situations.”

As delegates continue discussions in Baku, the forum is expected to reinforce the growing international focus on how cities adapt to climate threats, population growth and reconstruction challenges in an increasingly uncertain world.

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World Urban Forum climate crisis housing crisis Baku Azerbaijan United Nations