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.
What if recovery started with housing at the center of resilience and dignity? This dialogue will explore why housing must be placed at the center of crisis response, recovery and reconstruction in cities affected by conflict, climate shocks and natural disasters. When homes are destroyed, the loss extends beyond physical structures, undermining safety, dignity, livelihoods and social cohesion. As growing numbers of displaced people seek refuge in urban areas, many face precarious housing conditions that heighten vulnerability to further shocks. The session will examine how governments, communities and the private sector can rebuild homes and neighborhoods at scale while protecting housing, land and property rights. Drawing on global experiences—from conflict-driven displacement to disaster recovery, the dialogue will highlight practical approaches that support self-recovery, enable safe return or resettlement, and promote resilient, inclusive urban reconstruction for both displaced populations and host communities. Guiding questions What does it take to put the right to adequate housing at the center of crisis recovery—and which examples prove that rapid return and community led reconstruction are possible? What are the top levers—policy, financing, land, and local leadership—that must be unlocked to accelerate return and rebuild homes and neighborhoods faster and more equitably? How can cities, communities, and global actors join forces as true co leaders of recovery, ensuring displaced and vulnerable groups shape reconstruction from day one? Expected outcomes The Dialogue will result in a call to build a new coalition to drive new approaches to urban recovery and reconstruction that puts rebuilding homes and neighborhoods and scalable solutions to displacement at the center, while empowering communities. Objectives Highlight the central role of adequate housing and secure housing, land and property (HLP) rights in crisis response, recovery, and reconstruction Promote integrated, people-centered approaches to rebuilding homes and neighborhoods at scale Identify practical pathways for more inclusive and sustainable urban recovery including self-recovery, safe return or resettlement, and long-term resilience
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