The thirteenth session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) takes place in Baku, Azerbaijan, from 17 to 22 May 2026. The theme of WUF13 is: Housing the world: Safe and resilient cities and communities.
Healthy homes are the foundation of healthy cities, are we investing enough? "Pulse of Healthy Homes" reframes housing as a fundamental driver of health, dignity, and urban resilience. Drawing on the WHO-UN-Habitat Housing and Health agenda, the session explores how housing conditions and access to essential services shape physical and mental well-being, social cohesion, and climate resilience. The session will combine a high-level fireside conversation with an interactive dialogue featuring national ministers, city leaders, public health experts, and grassroots voices. Participants will explore practical solutions ranging from community-led upgrading in informal settlements to innovative financing, digital tools, and ecosystem-based approaches that link housing, health, and climate resilience. Guiding questions How can housing be designed and governed as infrastructure that actively promotes health and well-being? What policy, financing, and planning innovations can embed health outcomes into housing systems? How can community leadership and lived experience inform housing solutions in underserved areas? How can global guidance translate into local action for healthier homes? Expected outcomes The session will raise global awareness of the housing-health nexus and strengthen collaboration between housing, health, and urban policy communities. It will showcase innovative approaches from governments, cities, and grassroots that improve housing conditions while advancing health, equity, and resilience. The session will help catalyze partnerships and inform ongoing work on the WHO-UN-Habitat Housing and Health agenda, encouraging cities to place healthy homes at the center of sustainable urban development. Objectives The session aims to elevate housing as a central determinant of health within global urban policy discussions. It will highlight evidence linking housing conditions to physical and mental well-being, showcase innovative practices from cities and communities, and foster collaboration across sectors including housing, health, finance, and climate. The session will also generate concrete actions and commitments that can inform the evolving global housing and health agenda and inspire city-level implementation.
