Briefing for International Media Held in Nairobi on the 3rd Session of the UN-Habitat Executive Board

Briefing for International Media Held in Nairobi on the 3rd Session of the UN-Habitat Executive Board Briefing for International Media Held in Nairobi on the 3rd Session of the UN-Habitat Executive Board https://www.innews.media/en/news/id-59281

Today in Nairobi, Kenya, UN-Habitat Executive Director Anaklaudia Rossbax and Anar Guliyev, Chairman of the State Committee on Urban Planning and Architecture of the Republic of Azerbaijan and national coordinator of the 13th World Urban Forum (WUF13), held a briefing for the international media on preparations for WUF13, which will take place in Baku from 17-22 May 2026.

The session was moderated by Sultan Hajiyev, Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to Kenya and Congo and Permanent Representative to the UN office in Nairobi.

Rossbax emphasized the relevance of WUF13’s theme, “Housing for All: Safe and Sustainable Cities and Settlements”, stating:

"In the global context, WUF13 is not just a conference, but also a critical platform for assessing the New Urban Agenda and the UN Sustainable Development Goal on sustainable cities and communities. This Forum will enable member states and partners to evaluate commitments related to the global housing crisis, which is closely linked to the climate emergency, identify gaps, and set priorities for the coming decade."

She also highlighted that 2026 will be a pivotal year for the global urban agenda.

Rossbax added that within the framework of WUF13, a ministerial meeting on the New Urban Agenda will be held, with outcomes feeding into the 2026 global review processes. The “2026 World Cities Report” will also be presented during the Forum.

Anar Guliyev, WUF13 national coordinator, presented new initiatives proposed by Azerbaijan as the host country and noted that the first-ever Leaders’ Summit will provide a special platform for high-level political dialogue on global urban priorities. He emphasized the role of cities and local governments in shaping discussions and highlighted the importance of broad private sector participation in promoting innovation, climate-resilient construction, and modern housing technologies.

Guliyev stated:

"Preparations for WUF13 are progressing at full speed. We are coordinating all organizational, logistical, and operational matters to deliver a world-class Forum based on the principles of sustainability, inclusivity, and safety."