Tunisia Participates in the 13th Edition of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku, Azerbaijan
Tunisia Joins the World Urban Forum to Discuss Sustainable Urbanization
Tunisia is participating in the 13th edition of the World Urban Forum (WUF13), held from May 17 to 22, 2026, in Baku, Azerbaijan, under the auspices of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat).
The Tunisian delegation, led by the Minister of Equipment and Housing, Slah Zouari, includes representatives from the Ministry and UN-Habitat Tunisia. The delegation consists of:
- Najeh Karbia, Head of the Unit at the Ministry of Equipment and Housing
- Aida Robbana, Head of the UN-Habitat Office in Tunisia
- Majdi Frihi, Project Manager at UN-Habitat
- Asma Shili, Communication Officer
- Mariem Rekik, Programme Assistant
World Urban Forum: A Global Platform for Sustainable Urbanization
The World Urban Forum is considered the primary international platform for sustainable urbanization. It brings together governments, local authorities, international institutions, urban planners, experts, investors, and civil society representatives to discuss the major challenges facing cities in the future. Established by the United Nations in 2001, the forum has become a strategic platform for dialogue on urban policies, housing, infrastructure, climate resilience, and sustainable territorial development.
Baku Edition: "Housing the World: Safe and Resilient Cities and Communities"
The Baku edition of the forum is themed "Housing the World: Safe and Resilient Cities and Communities." It focuses on the global housing crisis, urban resilience in the face of climate change, transforming precarious neighborhoods, urban financing, and social and territorial inclusion policies.
A Strategic Participation for Tunisia
Tunisia's participation in the WUF13 is strategic, given the acceleration of urban and territorial challenges. The country faces several challenges related to urban growth, infrastructure pressure, informal housing, urban mobility, climate adaptation, and modernizing housing policies.
Through its participation in the WUF13, Tunisia aims to strengthen its integration into international dynamics related to sustainable urban development, while showcasing its experiences and projects in the fields of housing, territorial planning, and urban transition.
Opportunities for International Cooperation and Knowledge Sharing
The WUF13 offers Tunisia the opportunity to exchange with international partners, financial institutions, and UN agencies on financing mechanisms, urban innovations, and new approaches to urban governance.
Expected Outcomes
The forum is expected to bring together over 25,000 participants from 176 countries, with the organization of ministerial dialogues, technical sessions, urban exhibitions, and meetings focused on innovative solutions for cities of the future.
Logement and Resilience at the Heart of the Debates
The organizers of the WUF13 have placed the issue of housing at the center of international discussions, as nearly three billion people worldwide live in inadequate housing conditions, according to UN-Habitat. The forum aims to promote new policies that strengthen urban resilience while improving access to safe, inclusive, and sustainable housing.
Key axes of debate include:
- Integrating climate issues into urban policies
- Reducing territorial inequalities
- Transitioning buildings to renewable energy
- Using digital technologies in urban management
- Promoting more inclusive urbanization
