Tunisia Participates in the 13th World Urban Forum (WUF13)
Bakou, Azerbaijan, May 17-22, 2026
Tunisia is participating in the 13th edition of the World Urban Forum (WUF13), held in Bakou, Azerbaijan, from May 17 to 22, 2026, under the auspices of UN-Habitat. The forum is taking place in an international context marked by the intensification of challenges related to urbanization, housing, and climate resilience.
A Global Platform for Sustainable Urban Development
The World Urban Forum is considered the world's leading platform for sustainable urban development. It brings together governments, local authorities, international organizations, urban planners, experts, investors, and civil society representatives to discuss the major transformations that are reshaping cities in the 21st century.
The Theme of the 13th Edition: "Housing the World: Safe and Resilient Cities and Communities"
This edition of the WUF13 is being held under the theme "Housing the World: Safe and Resilient Cities and Communities," with a particular focus on the global housing crisis, inclusive urban policies, climate adaptation, reconstruction of vulnerable territories, and financing sustainable infrastructure.
A Record Number of Participants
According to the organizers, more than 45,000 participants from 182 countries are taking part in the various activities of the forum, including ministerial dialogues, thematic conferences, urban exhibitions, technical meetings, and international cooperation platforms.
A Strategic Tunisian Participation
The Tunisian delegation is led by the Minister of Equipment and Habitat, Slah Zouari. It includes several officials from the ministry as well as representatives of UN-Habitat Tunisia, including Najeh Karbia, chief of unit at the Ministry of Equipment and Habitat, Aida Robbana, responsible for the UN-Habitat office in Tunisia, Majdi Frihi, project manager, Asma Shili, communications officer, and Mariem Rekik, program assistant.
A Context Marked by Accelerating Urban and Territorial Challenges
The Tunisian participation is taking place in a context marked by the acceleration of urban and territorial challenges facing the country, including demographic pressure on cities, informal housing, urban mobility, infrastructure needs, energy transition of buildings, and adaptation to climate change.
Strengthening International Integration and Valuing Experiences
Through its presence at the WUF13, Tunisia aims to strengthen its integration into international dynamics related to sustainable urban development, while valuing its experiences and projects in the fields of housing, territorial planning, and urban governance.
A Strategic Opportunity for International Partnerships and Financing Mechanisms
The forum represents a strategic opportunity for developing exchanges with international partners, financial institutions, and UN agencies around financing mechanisms, urban innovations, and new approaches to urban planning.
Bakou, a Showcase of Urban Development in Azerbaijan
The opening ceremony of the WUF13 was marked by the intervention of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, who highlighted the country's urban ambitions and reconstruction projects in several regions.
The Global Housing Crisis at the Heart of the Discussions
The theme of housing dominated the interventions of UN officials present in Bakou.
A Call for Accelerating Action on the New Urban Agenda
In a video address, UN Secretary-General António Guterres alerted on the scale of the global housing crisis, recalling that nearly three billion people currently live in inadequate conditions, often in informal settlements or slums.
A Human-Centered Approach to Urban Development
Malaysian Minister of Housing and Local Government Nga Kor Ming, also president of the UN-Habitat Assembly, called for promoting a more human-centered approach to urban development.
A Global Challenge Requiring International Cooperation
The minister estimated that the global housing crisis represents a major economic, social, and climate challenge that requires more international cooperation.
A Forum Focused on Concrete Solutions
The WUF13 aims to emerge with concrete solutions in the areas of affordable housing, climate resilience, sustainable mobility, smart cities, and territorial inclusion.
A Critical Moment for the International Urban Agenda
The forum is taking place at a critical moment for the international urban agenda, marked by the mid-term evaluation of the UN's New Urban Agenda for the period 2026-2036.
Contributions to the Next International Meetings
The discussions in Bakou are expected to contribute to preparing the next international meetings on sustainable urbanization and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Beyond Political Declarations, Concrete Solutions
The forum aims to emerge with concrete solutions in the areas of affordable housing, climate resilience, sustainable mobility, smart cities, and territorial inclusion.
