Ministerial - National Ministerial Statements (WUF13)

Okay, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, my name is Krzysztof Szczęsny. I'm the Polish Ambassador to the United Nations in New York and one of the co-facilitators of the intergovernmental process on the Political Declaration. In the midterm review of the New Urban Agenda. It is my pleasure and honour to chair this session for national statements under the ministerial meeting taking place in the framework of the 13th session of the World Urban Forum. This session, as we heard in the opening remarks, provides an important opportunity for delegations to share national experiences, priorities, and recommendations in support of implementation of the New Urban Agenda. To allow all delegations to take floor, speakers are kindly requested to limit their statements, but as we have a very dynamic situation with the weather and the presence at the room, I will be not very strict in imposing these time restrictions, but please just deliver it slowly and fully. So I will now invite all delegations to deliver their statements according to the speakers' list. As I said, the speakers will be dynamically reshuffled during the meeting as the presence— as ministers are coming. So now I give the floor to the first speaker, which is the Minister Distinguished Representative of Sudan. Minister, the floor is yours.

Thank you very much, Mr. Chair. Your Excellencies, heads of delegation, Executive Director of the UN-Habitat, ladies and gentlemen, may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon you all. Please allow me, on behalf of the government and people of the Sudan and the delegation of my country, to extend my gratitude and appreciation to the Republic of Azerbaijan, its leadership, government, and people for hosting this the World Urban Forum in the beautiful city of Baku, which has hosted us this morning with all these rains that we see, that there is an abundance of blessings from it to all our people. The organization of the WUF-13 is going to make this forum an opportunity for us to enhance development in all our countries. Including the Sudan. We very much especially appreciate giving us this opportunity under this very important theme, Housing the World: Safe and Resilient Cities and Communities, that comes at a year that reflects the ambitions and aspirations of the Sudanese people. Distinguished guests, the Sudan is a nation that is rich in history and capacities, but currently it is suffering a very big humanitarian crisis that has aggravated due to the aggressions and violations that rebels and militias have undertaken that has led to great devastation in our cultural centers and that has transformed the cities of life into demolitions. They have targeted the infrastructure in the cities, including residential areas, Health centers, water networks, electricity, educational facilities and institutions in a structural manner. This has led to great devastation in the country. The targeting of these militias to the infrastructure has not only led to losses in lives, but has also led to hindering life in general in the country. This has led to the movement of millions from inside Sudan to outside Sudan. and the displacement of money. This necessitates a lot of effort for restoration and renovation. This devastation is a great challenge to the capacities of our city in order to prevent safe and sustainable infrastructure to everyone. Mr. Chair, ladies and gentlemen, brothers and sisters, despite these challenges, the government of my country is committed to having life go as normal and to restore civilization. We have exerted a lot efforts supported by some brotherly countries and friendly countries, as well as international organizations, helping us to attain development and requalify the basic services in areas where we have displaced individuals. These efforts include reinstalling electricity, water, and other services. It is very important to hear that we refer to the fact that in the area of the housing, and Prime Minister Dr. Kamel Idris has proposed a very ambitious project to establish 1 million houses for youth, and that is going to start its implementation soon after we rid ourselves of these militias. In addition to that, the government of the Sudan reconfirms its commitment to instilling sustainable peace. At the end of 2025, we have presented Sudan to the Security Council of the UN. This initiative identifies a clear-cut path in order to put an end to the conflict and to enhance peace and stability, with a focus on an immediate ceasefire, the protection of citizens, and guaranteeing the presentation of humanitarian aid without any hindrance, and to support refugees and displaced persons. It also includes disarmament and the protection of the civil population.

Thank you very much.

And reintegration, as well as national conciliation and restoration, in addition to a Sudanese-Sudanese dialogue in order to build conformity between the people and to put an end to the period of transition. Our initiatives reflect our will to support regional and international entities to which we belong in our regional circumstance— circumference in the United Nations, African Union, and IGAD in an ambition to find peaceful ways to put an end to the conflicts and to guarantee a sustainable future for everyone. Mr. Chair, in conclusion, we would like to express our appreciation to the Republic of Azerbaijan and the UN-Habitat for hosting the 13th session of the World Urban Forum. The culminations of the forum and its discussions are considered very valuable to us and presents very important insight that is going to enhance cooperation, which will definitely help countries such as the Sudan to fulfill its dire needs of urban development. And we are all confident that your wisdom and experience is going to greatly contribute to our continuous efforts to rebuild our cities, communities, and to create safe cities and communities that are resilient for everyone. Thank you, Mr.

Chair.

Thank you, Excellency. And now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Mexico. Mexico, to be followed by Morocco. Mexico, the floor is yours, Excellency.

Buenos días.

Good morning, everyone. I extend my warm welcome on behalf of the Government of Mexico from our President Claudia Sheinbaum Parra. I congratulate the government of Azerbaijan for welcoming this World Forum in its 13th edition. I also thank the program of the UN for UN-Habitat for their invitation in participating in this very important event. This space represents an opportunity which is strategic to reaffirm commitment and update priorities to strengthen the implementation of the New Urban Agenda at an international scale, national scale, and local scale. The introductory presentation of this event, we saw several key aspects expressed. From the Government of Mexico, we reaffirm that the inclusive urbanization focused on people is a cornerstone for sustainable development. Therefore, we consider that the call to action from Baku should have as an axe the principle of leaving no man behind, knowing that the differences that we might have Poverty must not limit the access of people to the opportunities of development. In accordance with the main theme of this forum, Mexico considers that the right to a correct household should be a priority within the framework. This should be oriented in a progressive manner to guarantee each of the 7 components of this human right. In the public policies at a national and local scale. In other words, the international debate faces 2 different perspectives, and we need to put on the table both of them, debate on them, and determine the roadmap. There's a vision of the right to a household to the recognition of a human right that implies that the member states assume the responsibility to assure housing. And there's another one where it says that housing is a merchandise open to a free market price. So we need to talk about these different perspectives. In this sense, we propose that the call to action from Baku retakes what is established in the Universal Human Rights Charter, the Declaration of the UN in regards to the rights of indigenous people, the Convention 179— 169, sorry— and the work and the convention in regards to eliminating all the manners of discrimination to women. This will enhance the implementation of the new urban agenda with a gender perspective, sectorial perspective, and cross-sectoral perspective. And also, why can't we talk about building a new urban agenda? Shouldn't we assess this? In a place such as— so important as this one, the fact of having a correct household cannot take out the social idea and the land idea. It's not just a physical space where you build land. It is the structural condition that determines whether these houses will be accessible, safe, And accessible to services, and that they will respect their cultural environments. In this sense, the reorganization of the land is a cornerstone to an adequate living and not an isolated policy. Therefore, we call upon the Call to Action of Baku We need to guarantee the correct location, the disposition of services, and the habitability. This requires a plan, an urban plan putting humans at the top. Without the reorganization of the land, the housing can be built in dangerous areas, areas of risk. Were the lack of economic opportunities and repeat errors. As a consequence, this call to action must strengthen the capacities in technical aspects for local governments to create plans focused on human rights, promoting a standardization within the different ways of governing. To consolidate effectiveness, hazard management, and taking the climate into the agenda for urban planning in nations. It has been proven also that the housing policies and urban planning policies are leverage for economic development. which is inclusive, as they affect generations and the supply chains at a local scale, and reduction of inequalities in lands. This is why we consider that this call to action must acknowledge the economical scale of urban planning and make it sustainable for adequate housing. The efforts should be oriented for fostering financial instruments that enable governments at a local scale sustainable development for their agendas and access to housing. In this framework, Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, President of Mexico, has put adequate housing as a national priority. Since October 2024, we implement the housing well-being as a strategy and as a right in our country. Therefore, housing is one of priority projects in the Government of Mexico because not only because of the social benefits, it creates an economical impact.

Part C, por favor.

Therefore, from this 13th World Forum, we call everyone to foster governments in states that conduct the urban agendas while the local governments count with better capacities to implement policies in land planning in coordination with academia, civil society, as strategic allies to create innovative solutions. I just want to point out that the importance of international cooperation as a mechanism to the exchange of knowledge, the transfer of knowledge, And the strengthening of policies in benefit of the urban planning and risk hazard management, create special and new registry systems for housing. We need a better mobilization, and this is the only way we will reach better housing, more resilient housing, more sustainable housing. For everyone, thank you very much.

Muchas gracias, Mexico.

Thank you, Mexico.

I invite I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Morocco, to be followed by North Macedonia.

Excellence, Monsieur le Président, Mesdames et Messieurs les Ministres. Mesdames et messieurs.

Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, ministers, it is a great pleasure to be here. Thank you so much to the Republic of Azerbaijan for welcoming us at this World Urban Forum. Thank you to UN-Habitat for organizing this meeting. 10 years after adopting our objectives 10 years ago in Quito, we are now adopting a framework for our 2030 agenda, especially for the sustainable development agenda for a resilient community. But there is one reality that I would like to mention. There are changes in the world. The double of the world population is going to live in urban areas, and very much so in Africa. In Morocco, we have made a choice.

We are—

we have decided to have a human-centered vision. This is the decision of our King Mohammed VI, and this vision is translated in a transformation of the right to housing and the development of infrastructures. We have already concrete results. For our citizens, 2 million of them have seen an improvement in their conditions of life with the policies that we have decided to implement with less slums. 20,000 social housing structures have been organized with the public sector and the private sector, and we have new mechanisms in place. We have a new program for help— aid to housing. That 100,000 households have already been able to take advantage of. Now we want to show that we can provide a better access to housing. But housing is not enough. We have to be able to allow for affordable housing that is also in dignity. To ensure cohesion, social cohesion. And that is why we want to organize more humane cities with more interesting infrastructure, with modern infrastructure. And we want to, to also place attention on the rural world with new centers for development and also have less human exodus. The Kingdom is also continuing to work in medinas, restoration of the architectural assets that we have in our country, to insist on the cultural identity of our country. And this should be a lever for our development. In parallel, Morocco is also including what is at stake on the climate level with what they are doing, especially the Paris Agreement. This is also a central lever for the energy transition with the promotion of sustainable materials and sustainable energies in buildings. Excellencies, we have moved forward, but we are still faced with challenges because there is pressure on land tenure. There are There is the impact of climate change, and that is why we have to mobilize, especially for urban governance and anticipating new settlements. And that is why we also have to take actions, because we cannot succeed without mastering what is happening on the housing level. That is why I would like to have a more cohesive way of working in Africa. We have a great deal of initiatives. Initiatives, innovating solutions. We are not going to reproduce imported models. We want to create our own that are adapted to our realities and our ambitions. It is in this spirit that Morocco, with UN-Habitat, has created a regional platform for the new urban agenda that is a platform of cooperation, sharing expertise, and capacity building. Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, our responsibility is very clear. We have to accelerate the implementation of the New Urban Agenda, making it converge with our objective for 2030, and show solidarity for our citizens. The Kingdom of Morocco is reaffirming its contribution for this dynamic with response— with a shared responsibility at the international level. Mohammed VI, our King, has said it. It is important to connect the future of our cities to the future of our citizens. It is together that we can create more resilient, more inclusive cities. Thank you very much for your attention.

Merci beaucoup. Now I give the floor to North Macedonia.

Thank you very much. Distinguished colleagues, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, it's a privilege to participate in the discussion at a moment when citizens and municipalities are facing some of the most complex challenges of our generation, but also carrying the greatest responsibility for shaping future development. 10 years after adopting the New Urban Agenda, One thing has become very clear: the real transformation happens locally, in municipalities where citizens directly feel the effects of every policy, investment and reform. Our country, in the last decade, was a period of major political and institutional transitions. Our membership in NATO, and implementing of the EU Growth Plan and the Reform Agenda create not only geopolitical progress, but also stronger international momentum for reforms, modernisation and long-term strategic planning. At the same time, our country made an early and clear commitment to the Global Sustainable Development Agenda. The Government endorsed the 2030 Agenda, in 2015 and immediately began the process of integrating the Sustainable Development Goals into our national policies and planning processes. Already in 2016, work started of aligning the SDG framework with national development priorities and sectoral strategies. The approach helped us gradually move from isolated policy measures towards more coordinated and long-term development planning. Particularly important step in this direction was adoption of the National Development Strategy 2024-2044. For the first time, we established a development framework which is fully aligned with SDGs, with a 20-year horizon that connects economic growth, regional balance, environmental sustainability, and demographic challenges into one coherent national vision. What makes us— what makes this strategy different is that it was not created only as an administrative document. It was built through dialogue with institutions, municipalities, universities, the private sectors, and the citizens. Our policies are increasingly focused on balanced territorial development and stronger municipalities. Today, We are investing heavily in local infrastructure, modernisation of public services and strengthening the capacity of local governments. Through direct support mechanism, more than €330 million in the past 2 years are spent with infrastructure projects across municipalities. Housing is another area where we are trying to change the traditional perspective. We no longer see housing only as a construction issue. Housing is critical to dignity, social inclusion, mobility of young people, economic security, and the overall resilience of communities. In that direction, our country has also prepared a new law on social housing aimed at establishing a clear legal and institutional framework for social housing policies. The purpose of this law is to create conditions for safe, accessible, and quality housing, particularly for vulnerable categories of citizens. At the same time, urban development today cannot be discussed separately from the climate adaptation and demographic realities. Smaller municipalities are often the first to feel the consequences of migration, aging population, and unique economic opportunities. Because of this, future policy must place greater attention on creating conditions for development outside of the largest urban centres. Looking ahead, I believe the next decade must be focused less on adopting a new declaration and more on building implementation capacity at the local level. Municipalities need stronger financials, better technical experience and more flexible development instruments if we truly want to achieve the goals of the New Urban Agenda. This process requires partnership between governments, local authorities, international organisations and the citizens themselves. Because ultimately the quality of national development is measured locally in the quality of life of people living in every municipality and every city. Thank you very much.

I thank the representative Minister of North Macedonia. I give the floor to Pakistan, to be followed by Qatar.

Thank you very much, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen. I would simply tell you a few stories and I think that would give you the entire message. for this Forum. There's a town in one of our deprived provinces called Washuk, and a picture came during the last floods of a young kid who was standing there with a torn notebook, looking into the eyes of his father, not knowing where to go. And the picture showed a helpless father who had taken the entire lifetime to build a mud home, which had been washed away. And to date, we all, including particularly us, we are all looking for the answer to the questions in the eyes of that kid and the helplessness of the father who couldn't give the answer. 2 generations of efforts probably washed away because the housing stock was not resilient. And there was a relapse into poverty which would probably take another 2 generations to get out of. So for us, ladies and gentlemen, this is not a housing crisis, this is a crisis of justice. And I think we are all putting our voices together to raise this issue of justice so that the poor don't have to drown out and their voices don't have to drown out. People who get washed away, people who die in these heat capsules, people who don't have access to health and education— these are not the people who are designing cities. We are designing cities. These are victims of our policies and our strategies. I mean, if I were to be bold enough to present to you The face of this crisis, nearly 50% of the people of Pakistan, 240 million people, live in cities, and 55% of these people, 55 million people, live in slums. Slums are not a policy category. Slums are a life category. Real people live in these slums. Imagine a family of 6 living in 2 rooms in shattered infrastructure. Imagine your own kid who's trying to do the homework in one corner of these 2 rooms. 6 to 8 people living in 2 rooms, and there's no power because of the power shutdown. Imagine a family And your own daughter, or my daughter, who cannot go to school because the school is 3 to 4 kilometers away, and the roads are shattered, and there are no walkways, and the mothers cannot risk the lives of their kids just to send them to school. That's the true nature of this crisis. Just in 2024, I remember, there was a heat wave, and in one of our cities, Karachi, which is the largest urban city, in this heat wave the temperature rose up to 47 degrees centigrade. And although not all of the deaths were recorded, but according to one of the NGOs which is dedicated to taking the lives, the, the dead bodies of those who are, who've passed away, To the hospitals, about 560 dead bodies were moved in 7 days. 560 dead bodies because of the heat wave in 7 days. Who died? The poor died. The most disenfranchised died. People living in slums without any infrastructure died. Not the rich, not the affluent. Not the ones living in apartments and condominiums and homes with air conditioning died. It's the poor that are always who— that take the brunt of this crisis. Just over the past 4 floods, 6,000 people have died in Pakistan. 6,000. So many people have not even died in wars. About 20,000 people have either gotten injured or disabled. 40 million people, more than the population of most countries of the world, have been displaced. And if you count, over 50% of the people are of school-going age. If they were to miss school for 90 days, about 1.8 billion school days were lost.

That's a lot.

I'm not going to sit here because of the paucity of time and list all the projects. We have our projects and I can list them— the federal projects and the provincial projects, projects and the municipality projects. But I want to be honest and I want to bring this to the attention of this august House that we treat affordable housing as a welfare instrument and not as a right, and that must change. 2.8 billion, roughly 3 billion people are living under inadequate housing, and about 300 million to 400 million are homeless. That should not be acceptable to our world. So I would say at the end that going green or going sustainable is not aesthetic. It shouldn't be jargon. It is not welfare. We should not build housing for investors. We should build housing for the people and we should hear the voices of the poor because their voices are not present here today. And I would say that the Baku Call for Action should remove injustice. Baku Call for Action should remove speculation from housing solutions. Baku Call for Action, when we give the final statement, it should be the statement about housing, but I would leave you with the question: housing for whom? Do we truly mean everyone? Thank you very much for your attention.

Thank you for your delivery. And now I pass the floor to the Minister of Qatar, to be followed by Rwanda. And I please, because the list is growing, that it's good to Good sign that the ministers are coming one by one, so please try to be concise with your speech, but of course deliver the full message.

Minister, please.

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim.

Thank you so much. Peace be upon you, ladies and gentlemen. It's my honor to start my words with thanking the Republic of Azerbaijan for hosting this important forum World Urban Forum and for the well-organized forum that we are hosting today, which is considered a great place for ladies and gentlemen.

Ladies and gentlemen, this forum is This comes at an opportunity when the world faces a lot of changes, including urban expansion, climate change, and less resources and increased demand for housing. This necessitates that we take plans that are more comprehensive and flexible. The inauguration of this forum comes at a time where cities today are no longer measured by how big they are, but how good a quality of life they offer and what urbanization that they provide that puts people in the heart of everything. Ladies and gentlemen, from the Qatar 2030 Vision, Qatar has adopted a full-fledged planning approach that is based on linking between urban planning, transport networks, and environmental sustainability in order to enhance the quality of life and increase the capacity of using resources to the best possible way. We have— this has created a main pillar in enhancing urban development and in reducing emissions. State Qatar has also given great priority to prevent— providing adequate housing and to integrate climate change in urban planning through the development of a green environment, enhancing the use of energy and the implementation of sustainable urban plans that emanate from best international practices. This vision has been reflected in main projects such as the Nusayr City project, being that it is one of the smartest comprehensive cities in the region, and Msheireb in the heart of Doha that represents an international experience in reviving cities in accordance with the sustainability measures. Digital transformation is considered also a main pillar in the development of urban planning in Qatar through the implementation of geographic systems, digital tools, and AI technology in a way that enhances the decision-making process and entrenches planning based on data. Ladies and gentlemen, the Qatari experience This is evidence to that the full-fledged planning is the way to sustainable and resilient cities that are able to achieve balance between development, mankind, and the environment. And in conclusion, we look forward to this forum enhancing cooperation and providing a forum for exchanging opportunities in order to have an urban future that is more sustainable for new generations.

Thank you.

and thank you all.

Thank you, Minister. Now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Rwanda, to be followed by Kenya. Rwanda first, then Kenya.

Thank you.

Your Excellency, High Level of Republic of Azerbaijan, Executive Director of the UN-Habitat, Representative of the Executive Office of the United Nations Mr. President, Mr. Secretary-General, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen, let me begin by expressing Rwanda's sincere appreciation to the government of Republic of Azerbaijan and, and to the UN-Habitat for the excellent organization of the 13th World Urban Forum, and particularly for convening this ministerial meeting on, on the new urban agenda. The theme of World Urban Forum 13, Housing the World: Safe and Resilient Cities and Communities, is timely and highly relevant. As we reach the midpoint of the New Urban Agenda, this meeting provides an important opportunity to reflect on the progress made, identify remaining gaps, and renew our collective commitment for the decade ahead. Rwanda welcomes this opportunity to share its experience in implementing the New Urban Agenda and to highlight the priorities that will guide our urban development efforts towards 2036. Excellencies, for Rwanda, urbanization is not simply a demographic trend. It is a development choice that must be well planned, well-governed, and deliberately linked to economic transformation, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability. This approach is reflected in Rwanda's Vision 2050. Over the past decade, Rwanda has continued to strengthen its urban planning and management systems. National and city-level planning instruments have been updated, and greater emphasis has been on ordinary land use, compact and mixed-use development, improved infrastructure planning, and stronger coordination between central and local government. In partnership with development partners, Rwanda has invested also a lot in core urban infrastructure and services in the city of Kigali and in secondary cities. These investments have supported improved mobility, drainage, access roads, public spaces, basic services, and local economic development. Excellencies, speaking on the topic today, housing remains at the heart of Rwanda's urban development agenda. We view housing not only as a shelter but also as a foundation for dignity, health, productivity, social inclusion, and resilience. Over the past decade, the government of Rwanda has taken steps to expand access to adequate and affordable housing. Initiatives such as Rwanda Housing Finance Project has contributed to improving access to housing finance, and Rwanda Urban Development Project has upgraded informal settlement in the city of Kigali and 6 secondary cities across the country. So all these efforts aim to improve living conditions, provide safer and better serviced neighborhoods, and support the gradual transformation of informal areas into more planned and resilient human settlements. In addition, site and services approaches have helped facilitate access to serviced land and basic infrastructure, allowing households to progressively build their homes in a more planned and affordable manner. These approaches are particularly important in the context where fully formal housing delivery cannot on its own meet the scale and diversity of demand. Excellencies, looking ahead, the next decade of implementation of the New Urban Agenda, Rwanda sees the period to 2036 as a decade of integration, acceleration and scale. Our priorities will be guided by 3 mutually reinforcing areas of action. Rwanda will continue to strengthen urban planning and governance. Rwanda will continue to scale up housing and human settlement solutions, and we will continue to invest in resilient, livable, and low-carbon urban systems. In conclusion, allow me to reaffirm The government of Rwanda's commitment to the new urban agenda and to broader objective of the sustainable development goals. Rwanda will continue to pursue the urban development that is inclusive, well planned, environmentally responsible, and responsive to the need of its citizen. We look forward to strengthen collaboration among. Member States, and stakeholders as we enter the next phase of implementation. I thank you all for your kind attention.

Thank you, Minister. With that, I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Kenya, to be followed by Saudi Arabia.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. This was to be an opening statement from Kenya. My name is Alice Muthoni Wahome, the Cabinet Secretary, Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development, and I'm pleased to be here. Excellencies, allow me to recognize UN-Habitat and the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan for hosting this World Urban Forum today, and we are pleased to be here as a delegation. It is an honor, Excellencies, I am pleased to address this ministerial meeting convened in the framework of the 13th session of the World Urban Forum. As the host country of the UN-Habitat, Kenya attaches great importance to international cooperation in advancing sustainable urban development. We also recognize the important role of the UN-Habitat in supporting member states and subnational level governments in responding to evolving urban challenges. The agenda before us, therefore, is timely as it provides a timely opportunity to assess progress, identify challenges, and help shape the next phase of implementation. Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, Kenya was the first country to launch a popular version of the New Urban Agenda. Its case is shaped by rapid urbanization, devolution to 47 counties, and aggressive national goals for housing. A core tenet of the New Urban Agenda is housing at the center. Kenya's government has embraced this through institutional alignment and innovative financing to create hundreds of thousands of new housing units. With the creation of 47 county governments, localized and bottom-up planning or bottom-up economic transformation agenda has become essential. Counties like Kisumu actively employ integrated strategic urban development plans to localize both the national— the new urban agenda and sustainable development goals. Because urbanization is highly territorial, Kenya has consistently pushed the New Urban Agenda to address rural-urban linkages, ensuring that vital urban services are accessible to rural populations. Ladies and gentlemen, despite the New Urban Agenda goals for inclusivity, Kenya struggles with sprawling impoverished informal settlements which are characterized by service delivery deficits, and environmental hazards. Urban centers generate a significant fraction of Kenya's gross domestic product. For instance, Nairobi, which is the capital city, accounts for approximately 27.5% to 36% of Kenya's GDP, national GDP. However, the government often suffers from low budgetary allocations, inefficient— ineffective governance, and inadequate municipal revenue generation. And that is an area where we can work on. In this regard, realizing sustainable human settlements requires substantial technology transfer and mobilization of adequate finances— financing areas where subnational level governments still face friction. Despite the challenges therefore faced, there are opportunities that include UN-Habitat is headquartered in Nairobi, which positions the country as a center player in regional events like the African Urban Forum that happened last month in Nairobi. Kenya utilizes these platforms to push for urbanization models rooted African realities rather than top-down Western blueprints. In addition, organizations and grassroots movements leverage local knowledge to influence sustainable waste management, river cleaning, and greening efforts. In that regard, we have a major cleaning initiative for the Nairobi River Regeneration Furthermore, Kenya utilizes its overarching spatial plan to coordinate flagship projects under Kenya Vision 2030, providing county governments with clear frameworks to guide urban density and infrastructure development. Excellencies, with the recognition that we only have 10 years left before we complete the implementation of the New Urban Agenda. Our discussions today will hopefully be focused on practical solutions, shared learning, and cooperation. Your country's participation today is key in potentially shaping the draft action-oriented political declarations, and this draft declaration is eventually adopted by the UN General Assembly this year, and we hope that we can be able to put our efforts towards that, will help us to collectively renew our commitment and accelerate relevant actions to fully implement the New Urban Agenda by 2036. By working together, we can help ensure that urbanization becomes a force for inclusion, opportunity, the serious and sustainable development for all. I know we had started before I came in, but I wish you deliberate very productive deliberations. Thank you very much.

Thank you, Minister. As we all hear, there is nowhere to go because of the rain, so unless we are evacuated, so we can continue the discussions. So now I give the floor to Saudi Arabia, to be followed by Serbia.

In the name of God, most gracious, most merciful, Your Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon you all. It is an honor to be here with you today in the 13th session of the World Urban Forum at a very crucial moment in which all countries redesign their plans and reidentify the relationship between human beings and space. In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, we develop cities and take flagship programs that are going to redefine cities, taking into consideration the 2030 Vision and the strong will, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has launched a great urban transformation that has been unprecedented. It has made the quality of life and sustainability main pillars for development. This ambition has not only been set in plans but has only been transformed into concrete action. We have increased house ownership from 47% to more than 66% during record time, and we have served more than 1 million Saudi households through innovative housing solutions. And we have launched development projects, atop of which is the housing development project that has allowed entitled households to housing and has contributed to empowering more than 50,000 households and allowing them to own their own Yes. Moving them from people in need to houses of stability. And in the heart of this transformation, we have set man first. We have made a paradigm shift that has exceeded 75%, and we have redesigned our cities so that they can be designed for people, not for cars. Hearts that beat with— cities that beat with life. Spaces that can be livable. And because we believe that identity is the essence of sustainability, we have announced 19 urban designs that can reinstill life to our cities and reinstill them with our identity so that they can be cities that, that are modern and at the same time preserve our roots. We are also taking steps forward in building future cities through building smart cities that can invest in data and knowledge. We have more than 8 Saudi cities that have been registered under the IANDI indicator as smart cities and cities that are— that preserve health and active life. Over 16 Saudi cities have joined the Healthy Cities Initiative through taking measures that cover more than 80 elements in order to better the standard of living and to have a better urban environment. What is happening in KSA today is a paradigm national shift that reidentifies the relationship between mankind and space, and that builds more comprehensive cities that are more inclusive, more sustainable, and more humane. We are working very openly with the rest of the world and believe that the future of cities is built through international cooperation, exchange of knowledge, and comprehensivity of efforts. Our cities today is a story of transformation, and tomorrow, God willing, is going to be a model where the entire world can follow. The message of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the world is that we are building cities for the future, and we are building a future that starts with mankind and goes back to mankind— cities that are designed for preserving the dignity of the people and that are well managed and that grow sustainably. They preserve our identity and are opening to the entire world. And may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon you.

Thank you. And now I pass the floor to the distinguished representative of Maldives, to be followed by Somalia.

Honourable ministers and heads of delegation, distinguished delegation, it is a pleasure for me to be here at the World Urban Forum and to share with you some perspective from Maldives. A nation on the front line of climate crisis, but also a nation determined to shape a resilient and sustainable future for its people. For Maldives, urban development is no longer simply a question of housing or infrastructure; it is fundamentally about climate survival, economic resilience, human dignity, and national continuity. As a low-lying small island developing state. Our geography and structural vulnerabilities expose us disproportionately to sea level rise, coastal erosion, storm surges, freshwater stress, and land scarcity. Climate change is therefore not a distant environmental concern for us. It is a lived development reality that is already reshaping how and where our people can safely live. This is why Maldives sees the New Urban Agenda, Sustainable Development Goals, particularly 11 and 13, the Paris Agreement, and the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for Small Island Developing States, and the outcomes of the Habitat process. These are not parallel agendas. Together they form the international framework required to address both the climate crisis and growing housing and urban resilience crisis facing vulnerable nations. Moldova has therefore placed climate-resilient urban transformation at the center of our national development agenda, fully aligned with our NDC 3.0 commitments and our national adaptation plan process. The current government has enacted the Urban Planning and Management Act, the first comprehensive national framework for land use and infrastructure planning in our history. We have launched Housing for All, the most ambitious housing program our nation has ever undertaken in Maldives, allocating 15,000 land plots and 7,900 flats across Greater Malé Region. At the same time, we are investing in a long-term strategy of resilience, urban consolidation, and safer island development. Hulhumal stands today as one of the clearest examples of climate-resilient urban planning in a Small Island Developing State. Designed as a higher-elevated, safer island, Hulhumal incorporates climate-resilient infrastructure, integrated coastal protection, modern urban services, and planned population consolidation. It demonstrates how carefully designed urban expansion can reduce climate risk while also creating economies of scale in the delivery of housing, healthcare, transport, water sanitation, and energy services. This model is now being expanded further through the development of Ras Male at the Fushi Diggur Lagoon, an extra-generation climate-resilient urban island been developed specifically to address the combined challenges of climate vulnerability, land scarcity, internal migration pressure, and long-term national resilience. Over 1,000 hectares of reclaimed land are being engineered at elevated design to withstand future climate impacts while creating safer living environments and enabling voluntary population relocation and consolidation in a planned and dignified manner.

Please come to conclusion.

As we look to the next 10 years of NU implementation, Maldives identified key priorities as action for ourselves and for the global community. For Maldives, population consolidation is not a matter of preference. It's an adaptation necessity driven by both environmental realities and economic sustainability. Maldives, along with many other developing countries, have been calling for reforms of international financial architecture to realize our ambitions for climate resilience and safer islands which allow adequate housing. We continue to call for climate finance that is grant-based and concessional, aligned with national circumstances, respecting our governance system, culture, development priorities, free from undue conditionalities or prospective approaches. Maldives refuses to see vulnerability as a destiny. We are investing in safer islands. We are building resilient urban centers above rising tides. We are aligning climate adaptation with human development, housing, and economic transformation. And we call upon the international community to stand with vulnerable nations in ensuring that the next decade of New Urban Agenda becomes a decade of implementation solidarity and resilience. Because for countries like Maldives, the urban agenda is not only about cities, it is about safeguarding the future, dignity and survival of our people. Because for the country of— countries like Maldives, the new urban agenda is not only about cities, it's about safeguarding future and dignity and survival of our people.

Thank you.

Thank you. And now I give the floor to Somalia to be followed by Slovakia and South Africa.

Your Excellencies, Executive Director of UN-Habitat, delegations, development partners, ladies and gentlemen, may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon you all. It is a pleasure and honor for me to be speaking to you today in the inauguration of the ministerial session on Housing for Social Integration, Overcoming Poverty, here in Baku, the capital of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Please allow me at the onset to express my utmost appreciation for the government of Azerbaijan for the generous hospitality that you have afforded to all the delegations and for your strong administration and partnership throughout this process. I would also like to praise the spirit of cooperation that has taken place through the co-chairmanship and through the assistances that the organizers have given and to the open-ended housing committee has provided to everyone. In enhancing cooperation and discussions around urban development and housing policies. Also, the open-ended group has enhanced cooperation between all stakeholders and the importance of sharing responsibility in facing the increasing urban challenges facing our communities. Through the continuation in cooperation and efforts together, we can set the practical solutions that put human beings and dignity and comprehensivity in the heart of urban development. Your Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, the New Urban Agenda still represents a framework for our action in order to attain sustainable urban development on the international level. Its implementation is closely linked to attainment of the 11th SDG and to our commitment to make human settlements and cities safe, resilient, and sustainable. And while we conduct a midterm review of the New Urban Agenda, we need to remember that humans are going to be considered a main pillar in order to attain social integration, elimination of poverty, preserving human dignity, and the provision of economic opportunity. As for the— the implementation of the New Urban Agenda Thank you. Climate change adaptation will continue to be a very important national priority. Somalia will continue to work on finding sustainable solutions for those internally displaced, fragile communities through setting comprehensive initiatives for restoration and building resilience. Today's discussions represent a very important forum for exchanging experience, sharing best practices, and providing practical solutions that can contribute to enhancing housing, seeing that it is very important for social integration and the elimination of poverty. I would also like to very warmly welcome all the delegations and participants in and wish you all successful deliberations during this ministerial session. Thank you all.

Thank you very much also for keeping the time limits. And now I give the floor to Slovakia, to be followed by South Africa and Sri Lanka.

Thank you, thank you very much, dear ministers. Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, allow me to thank Azerbaijan and UN-Habitat for bringing us together here in Baku. For almost 10 years, the New Urban Agenda has reminded us of one essential point: urban development is not only about infrastructure, buildings and spatial plans. It is above all about people, their access to service, public spaces, and opportunities for a good quality of life. In Slovakia, we have taken important steps towards a more integrated approach to territorial development. We have strengthened the role of strategic planning, integrated investments and cooperation between the state, regions and municipalities. The connection between nation policies and the real needs of territories is key for the successful implementation of the new urban agenda. But we must also be honest. Many challenges remain. Affordable housing, climate resilience, demographic change, pressure on public service, and the need for quality data and tools for decision-making require faster and more targeted action. We see housing as a basic precondition for the functioning and growth of communities. When people don't have access to adequate housing, regional disparities grow, young people leave, and cities lose their ability to be places of opportunity. This is especially important for the smaller cities, towns, and less developed regions where people must see a future for themselves and families. Therefore, if we want to accelerate the implementation of the New Urban Agenda by 2036, we see 3 priorities. First, we need better data and digital tools for sustainable urban development. Investment and planning decisions must be based on evidence. Second, we need stronger partnership between the state and local governments with the right tools, capacities, and resources to act. Cities and municipalities are the places where global goals are translated into concrete results. And third, we need to better connection investment in housing. Climate, mobility, and digital solutions. Slovakia is ready to actively contribute to the 2026 midterm review of the New Urban Agenda and to come to the common discussion on how UN-Habitat can strengthen its implementation over the next decade. Our ambition is simple but fundamental: to make urban policy work for all people in all places. Thank you very much for your attention.

Thank you, Minister. And now I pass the floor to the distinguished representative of South Africa, to be followed by Sri Lanka.

Chairperson of the session, Excellencies, good morning. It is an honor to express our sincere gratitude on behalf of the South African delegation to the government and the people of the Republic of Azerbaijan for the excellent preparations, of course blessed by the showers of the rains, to make this a landmark edition of the World Urban Forum. We have experienced a very warm welcome and the generosity of the hospitality since we have arrived in the land of fire and the home of the flame towers. In April 2016, South Africa adopted a macro policy for managing urbanization, 5 months just before the New Urban Agenda was endorsed in October of 2016. The Integrated Urban Development Framework served as government of South Africa's micro-primary policy for managing urbanization. This policy also includes provision of spatial transformation aimed at addressing historical injustices caused by our racial segregation policy of our recent past. At the time the New Urban Agenda was adopted, South Africa was over 60% urbanized, but recent data shows that we have grown to around 68%. And by 2030 would have just surpassed or reached 71.3% of urbanization. So this is undeniably an irreversible trend. Notwithstanding the opportunities it has presented, persistent spatial inequality, challenges in basic service delivery, infrastructure backlog, and overburdened municipal governance system remain one of the defining characteristics of the South African cities. Additionally, our cities face dual challenge of extending infrastructure to growing populations while concurrently maintaining, renewing, and upgrading aging assets and financial constraints, inadequate capital planning, and insufficient maintenance. But our country has taken this opportunity in ensuring that we actively address the urban challenges through a comprehensive suite of strategic initiatives. These include the review of the IUDF implementation framework, which enhances leadership and coordination across, across all spheres of government and ensure a meaningful whole role of government and whole society stakeholders in ensuring that we increase the demand of essential services, including housing, health, education, water, and sanitation, while we ensure that there is development across all the sectors in human settlements. The transformation agenda therefore is informed by our 2026 National Progress Report in the implementation of the New Urban Agenda, which was held in 2026 in February this year. Cabinet mandated my department to develop a strategy, amongst others, which deals with the construction of informal structures in dangerous and disaster-prone areas, but also to ensure that we look into a medium and a long-term solutions to ensure that there is a transformation in informal settlement and slums. In partnership with our key stakeholders, in discussing at the 2 levels editions of of the NUF of 2024 and 2025. We came through as sector stakeholders and renewed our resolve of ensuring that we strengthen institutional mechanisms to improve governance. Secondly, we forged partnership to explore developmental finance mechanism. We also developed technical skills to manage the modern and innovative governance systems, but we also advanced climate resilient and environmental sustainable solutions. We'll not be able to do this if we don't implement the social compact that prioritizes youth unemployment, urban safety, land reform, integrated human settlement, and infrastructure development. Urbanization in South Africa is characterized not only by population growth in cities but also by expansion of large urban agglomerations and functionally integrated regions. We have important players in the national space of our economy. In our case, again, we intersect with multiple public policy spheres, including economic policy, infrastructure planning, local government reform, environmental management, social development, and spatial planning. Therefore, urbanization cannot simply be managed or monitored. It must be governed intentionally and strategically. Our 2026 progress report of the implementation of the New Urban Agenda reveals that our government efforts through the Department of Human Settlements emphasizes the coordination of domestic partnership, focusing on expanding access to social housing funding, which are sources which will be tailored to various income levels and encouraging public-private partnerships. Our new IA report further states that we encourage the government to strengthen its cooperative governance framework by enhancing existing multi-level and multi-stakeholder collaboration. This approach is regarded as fundamental to achieving the apex priorities of our 7th administration, which are inclusive of job creation and economic growth, reduction of poverty and cost of living pressures. My delegation—

Please come to conclusions.

To fruitful engagements at this 13th session of the World Urban Forum, particularly to the sharing of best practices and experiences, building partnerships and collaborations in innovative solutions of housing delivery models, including our own driving costs of housing construction through scaling innovative building technologies. I thank you for the attention and for the opportunity to deliver South Africa's country statement to the world. Thank you very much.

I thank you very much, and before I pass the microphone to Sri Lanka, I also pass the chairing of the session to my dear colleague and the Minister of Kenya. So thank you very much for participating in the first half of today's debate and the chair is now in the hands of Kenya. Thank you.

Thank you very much, You start with Sri Lanka, Palestine. Okay, only the ones with the tick boxes. The ones that are not—

Thank you very much. As I take over, may I just remind you, I'm the Cabinet Secretary from Kenya, Alice Wahome. We will go to Sri Lanka, Minister for Sri Lanka Housing Construction and Water Supply. Please, most welcome.

Thank you very much, Honorable Chair, Excellencies, distinguished delegates. I'm honored to represent the Government of Sri Lanka at the ministerial meeting of the WUF 13 here in Baku. In Sri Lanka, my ministry is guided by a vision a beautiful city, and a comfortable life. We recognize that housing is not an isolated sector; it is a foundational economic infrastructure that determines health, education, and human dignity. Our mission is to move beyond ordinary shelter and create integrated urban systems that facilitate social inclusion and economic opportunity for all. Excellencies, our progress in advancing the New Urban Agenda has been significantly challenged by a recent climate disaster. Cyclone Dithwa served as a critical turning point, revealing structural vulnerabilities within our urban settlements. Findings from our PDNA provide a sobering reality. Over 113,000 houses were damaged across 22 districts. Nearly 6,000 homes were destroyed. At the height of the crisis, over 232,000 people were forced into safety centers. Today, over thousands of citizens remain in protracted displacement, primarily in the hill country and estate sectors. Total sector effects reached $453 billion, while recovery needs have surged to $905.5 billion. Sri Lanka is responding with a paradigm shift, transitioning from fragmented service delivery to integrated urban systems Thank you. We are working on these challenges through 3 strategic pillars. The Central Highlands Protection Authority— following the cyclone, we initiated the establishment of a dedicated authority to protect and restore the Central Highlands, our critical upper watershed and ecological lifeline. This initiative will strengthen disaster risk reduction at its source. Safeguard water security and advance climate adaptation through stronger institutional coordination. We have identified nearly 25,000 houses in red zones. We are prioritizing their relocation with $612 million investments. We treat housing as a human right. Safeguarding the housing, land, and property rights of the vulnerable to ensure no one is excluded during reconstruction. We are advancing a new generation of models, including rural collective housing, peri-urban middle-income and urban rental schemes, and lease-to-own options. To enhance affordability through private-public partnerships. In conclusion, Sri Lanka reaffirms its readiness to contribute to the Baku Call to Action. We must act with urgency so that by 2036, our cities are not merely habitable but serve as engines of prosperity and sanctuaries of safety. Let the lessons from Cyclone Dithwa guide us towards a future where no citizen is left behind in the face of a changing climate.

Thank you.

Thank you very much. I will now call the Minister for Local Government, the State of Palestine, State of Palestine, and they will be followed by Tajikistan and then Thailand, in that order. Thank you. Excellencies, and keep 3 minutes, please.

Distinguished colleagues, it's an honor to address this ministerial meeting at the 13th session of the World Urban Forum in the Republic of Azerbaijan, in partnership with UN-Habitat. For the State of Palestine, the New Urban Agenda is more than a global framework. It is a national priority and a pathway to strengthen resilience, uphold the rights of our people, and improve their daily lives. In West Bank, including East Jerusalem, Palestinian communities continue to face severe restrictions on access to land and natural resources. Israeli colonies expansion Palestinian housing demolitions. Movement restrictions undermine the right to adequate housing and constrain sustainable urban development. In Gaza Strip, the devastation is indescribable. Homes, infrastructure, and municipal systems have been destroyed, and entire neighborhoods have been erased. Reconstruction must go beyond rebuilding physical structures. It must restore communities, services, livelihoods, and hope. Despite these extraordinary challenges, Palestine remains firmly committed to implementing the New Urban Agenda and achieving Sustainable Development Goal 11. Through the Ministry of Local Government, in partnership with municipalities and development partners, we are advancing the Palestinian National Urban Policy, strengthening spatial planning, enhancing local government capacities, promoting affordable and climate-responsive housing, and preparing for the sustainable recovery and reconstruction of Gaza. Our vision is clear: housing is not only a development issue; it is a humanitarian, social and political imperative and a cornerstone of dignity, stability and resilience. Excellencies, the implementation of the New Urban Agenda in fragile and conflict-affected contexts requires genuine international solidarity. We count on the international community to support the reconstruction of Gaza, protect the right of the Palestinian people to adequate housing and development, strengthen financing for resilient and affordable housing, and empower local governments as they As the key partners in the implementation, we also call for respect for international law and United Nations resolutions so that the Palestinian people can build inclusive, resilient, and sustainable communities on their own land. Ladies and gentlemen, the Palestinian people remain steadfast in their determination to build a better urban future, one in which every person enjoys the right to housing, dignity, and sustainable development. Thank you for your kind attention.

Thank you, Minister. Thank you, Minister. May I have Tajikistan Minister, who is the Chairman of the Committee on Architecture and Construction. 3 minutes, please.

Distinguished Chair— Mr. Chairman, dear ladies and gentlemen, dear colleagues, let me express thankfulness to the organizers of this meeting and to the hosting party. Today's dialogue is of paramount importance because the year 2026 is the midterm in terms of the implementation of this strategic document, which was adopted by the international community back in 2016. The Republic of Tajikistan is considering the new urban agenda as the key instrument in developing the modern-day urban policy oriented— targeting the enhanced quality of life for the population. From the point when the— since Tajikistan establishment of political independence and its transition to a market economy, significant changes have occurred in our country's construction sector. The large volume construction work carried out in the Republic of Tajikistan is a clear indication of our country's development, a result of the targeted policies of the—

of our founder—

of the founder of peace and national unity. Distinguished Mr. Imam Ali, who is the chairperson of the Dushanbe City Council, as well as— and it is since this activity, his activity, is underway, the policy, the urban policy of the leader of the nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan, respected Imam Ali Rahmon, and under his leadership, the nation during the period of state independence and during the period of the country's independent development, the country witnessed large-scale transformations in the construction of architectural and social facilities that became symbols of the revival of culture, history, and national greatness. Rustam Emomali, Chairman of the Majlisi Milli of the Majlis Oli of the Republic of Tajikistan and Chairman of Dushanbe, has made a significant significant contribution to the development of a modern urban environment— large-scale and modern urban environment— and implementation of large-scale transformation in a capital. Thanks to the effective leadership and creative work, Dushanbe is consistently strengthening its status as a modern, well-maintained, and sustainably developing metropolis. were implemented, including the state emblem, the national flag, the Palace of the Nation, the Ismaili-Solomoni Monument, the Navruz Palace, Independence Square. These structures are renowned not only for their beauty but also as bearers of historical and cultural symbols of the Tajik nation. Koh-i-Noor, a unique cultural and entertainment complex built in 2014, has become a true gem of modern infrastructure and one of the most popular recreational and leisure destinations in the country. In 2019, Koh-i-Noor in Dushanbe was recognized as one of the 8 Modern Wonders of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in honor of the 31st anniversary of state independence the architectural complex Istiqlal, which means independence, was in the capital officially opened as a monument of independence, freedom, reflecting the aspirations and efforts of the people. The Parliament building, Majd Majlis Oli stands out for its monumentality, reflecting the stability of the political system and the progressive development of the country. The National Museum of Tajikistan has become an important cultural center, carefully preserving artifacts that tell the rich history and cultural heritage of the Tajik people. Dushanbe's modern appearance is also enhanced by such landmarks as the amphitheater on the shore of Lake Komsomoyskoye. We are proud of every stage of our country's development and the fact that today's Tajikistan is confidently moving toward new achievements in the economy, culture, and urban development areas. Architecture has become a reflection of aesthetics but also an important symbol of national pride and progress. In, in order to reform the construction industry and introduce modern management methods to create an efficient, competitive, and open industry, the Strategy for the Development of the Construction Industry of the Republic of Tajikistan until 2030 was approved by the decree of the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan dated April 2022. It should, uh, it should be noted that, uh, according to the statistical data during the period of state independence, um, as of January 1st, the country has reached all of these achievements. Thank you very much for your attention.

Uh, I'm pleading that we try and keep within 3 minutes your statement, please, so that we can all speak. Thailand, Minister of Environment, Urban Development, and Human Security.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Excellencies, distinguished delegates, sawadee krap. Thailand is honored to participate in these ministerial meetings and extends its appreciation to the UN-Habitat and the government of Azerbaijan for hosting this important event. Housing is the foundation of human dignity, social and economic inclusion, and urban resilience. Yet globally, up to 3 billion people cannot afford adequate housing, with 1.12 billion living in slums or informal Settlements fundamentally undermining progress towards SDG 11. Excellencies, housing development is about not building alone. It is dignity, inclusion, and opportunity for all. Guided by our 20-year Housing Development Master Plan, Thailand pursues people-centered housing through both community-based and government-led initiative. We are advancing the principle of housing for Thais, prioritizing affordable rental housing and homes conveniently located near transport and place of employment for low-income and working people, guided by eco-friendly and universal design principles for all group, agent, and linked to social protection. We expand access to affordable housing through a high-purchase scheme for those unable to secure conventional financing. To date, up to date, over 42,000 high-purchase contracts and 3,800 housing loans have been issued. The Ban Man Kong housing program, over 100,000 households have empowered to develop secure housing solutions, strengthening community cohesion and access to essential services. The Dindang Smart City Redevelopment Program also further demonstrates how urban renewal can improve living conditions while enabling residents to remain within their communities. With over 1,600 universal design rental units have been provided. Excellencies, Thailand appreciates UN-Habitat's continued cooperation in advancing inclusive urban development and SDG localization. We attach great importance to the New Urban Agenda, and this UN will help inform the annual midterm review this July. Thailand stands ready to work with our partners to advance inclusive resilience and sustainable urban development for all. Thank you.

Thank you, Minister. May I now call Tuvalu Minister of Public Works, Infrastructure Development, and Water.

Honorable Chair, Excellencies, for Tuvalu, the national urban agenda is not an extraction framework. It is about whether our people can continue to live safely on their land. Over the past decade, we have strengthened national coordination on climate actions and prioritized our resilience across all sectors. We understand that housing, infrastructure, water, and land must be addressed together. But let me be clear, our biggest barrier is not policy. Its access to finance. Chairman, Chairperson, climate financing systems are too slow, too complex, and too distant from the reality of small island states. We navigate— while we navigate procedures, our community faces rising seas, overcrowding, and increasing risks. For our atoll nations, Housing is not about development. It's our survival.

It is not—

it is our serious— if we are serious about the UN Agenda, New Agenda, the next decade must be delivered differently. To welcome the 3 urgent actions: first, simplify, accelerate access to climate financing with direct and predictable funding for vulnerable countries. Secondly, ensure integrated delivery across sectors so that housing, infrastructure, and climate adaptation are implemented together and not in silos. Third, elevate the priorities of the Small Island States in global decision-making, including in the lead-up to the New Urban Agenda Midterm Review. Sir President, we are not asking for a new framework. We are asking for a system that works. Tuvalu stands ready to work with the partners to ensure our communities can live with dignity, safety, and resilience.

Thank you very much, Minister, even for keeping time. You are asking for a system that can work. Thank you. United Republic of Tanzania, Minister of Land, Housing, and Human Settlements, please take the floor.

Madam Chair, It is a pleasure and honor for me to speak in front of this august forum. I give utmost gratitude to the government of Azerbaijan for hosting us under the organization of UN-Habitat, and with me I bring to you the humble greetings from Her Excellency Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, the President of the United Republic of Tanzania. Madam Chair, Tanzania welcomes and supports the theme chosen for Thank you, Madam Chair. I welcome you all to the WOF 13, that is Housing the World: Safe and Resilient Cities and Communities. This theme underscores the core objectives of the Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs, and the New Urban Agenda, which serves as a new vision for our cities and human settlements. Madam Chair, as we take stock of the progress in the implementation of the New Urban Agenda, the current situation gives rise to mixed feelings. Housing remains largely unaffordable both in the developing and in developed countries, yet the world is way behind on its goal on making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable, as stipulated in SDG 11 and in paragraphs 46, 53, 55, and 106 of the New Urban Agenda, which commit to promoting affordable, secure, and resilient housing finance and policies to address homelessness, slum upgrading, and urban sprawl. Madam Chair, the New Urban Agenda calls for implementation— for governments to improve informal settlements through slum upgrading, promoting land tenure security, and providing basic services. The informal settlements in which 67.3% of the urban population lives, play a dominant and critical role in the housing sector in Tanzania. We have therefore taken several initiatives in transforming informal settlements. The government has shifted its policy from forced evictions towards in situ participatory informal settlements by upgrading and regularization, infrastructure, Basic services and secures land tenure. The government's efforts have been focusing on strengthening urban resilience, improving basic services, and regularizing land ownership, but also strengthening land use planning to enhance sustainable urbanization. Honorable Chair, despite the progress achieved, like in any other developing country, implementation of the New Urban Agenda NEU in Tanzania faces significant challenges driven by rapid urbanization and resource constraints, resulting in widespread informal settlements, inadequate infrastructure, and poor service delivery. Efforts to counter these disturbing eventualities are underway by engaging other actors, including the private sector. I thank you very much for your

Thank you, Minister, for keeping time.

Uh, I'm now going to call Ulugwe, Minister of Housing and Territorial Planning. Please take the floor. Are you there?

Yeah.

Yeah, okay.

Authorities and representatives from governments, international organizations, and civil society. It's an honor for Uruguay to be part of this new edition of WEF 13, a space key to acknowledge the urban agenda and with the construction of more resilient land. I transmit the greetings of our president, Shaman Wharf. Uruguay is in this forum acknowledging that urban planning is part of climate change. In an international context where we see inequalities, impacts in the environment, we understand that urban planning and/or Urban policies are strategic tools to guide development. We reaffirm the need to foster an integral perspective from social justice, land, and environment. The implementation of a new urban agenda should strengthen the 2030 Agenda, especially with the links between mobility, access to land, environment, And the elimination of inequalities with emphasis in public policy, data-driven solutions. And for Uruguay, the land and territory means access to habitat, to infrastructure, to services for all of its population, including medium-level cities and rural areas. This demands to increase the capacities of managing from the government, enabling us to anticipate risk and protect common assets. Our country has developed planning and has developed the neighboring planification of lands. And we understand that climate change requires incorporation of a specific land perspective, especially regarding floods, waste management, rural expansion. In this framework, Uruguay assumes with responsibility the errors in the Minuri presidency that fostered an urban agenda that talked about cooperation within countries And positioning habitat and territory as strategic assets in our region. We reaffirmed the need to develop more sustainable cities, fostering institutional capacities. Uruguay considers priority to advance in a regional agenda of cooperation that enables to share knowledge, data at a local scale to create observatories, foster financial models for resilient cities in Latin America and the Caribbean. We also believe that this forum represents an opportunity to strengthen the dialogue among regions and create links south and south, especially in regards to land governance. Accessible housing, and sustainable management of resources. Uruguay reaffirms its commitment with multilateralism to expand the voice of our region with the UN system and the New Urban Agenda as a roadmap to develop more and fair societies. We must not forget that among Or behind each KPI, there are people that dream of a better house with an environment that protects their houses. And that's the north for us, that urban planning comes in a tangible manner to the daily way of living of people. Thank you very much.

Thank you very much. You have raised several issues there, including elimination of inequality through data-driven solutions and many other relevant points. I would now ask Eswatini— the minister is here, minister responsible for human settlement. No, sorry, I don't have— but you are there?

Yes.

Minister Eswatini.

Thank you.

Most welcome, Minister. 3 minutes.

Thank you. I bring warm greetings from the people of the Kingdom of Eswatini, and we want to extend our warm— I mean, our gratitude for the warm welcome that we received from the Republic and government— the government of the Republic of Azerbaijan since our arrival. Eswatini aligns itself with the theme of the forum, and we look forward to participate and to contribute to this important dialogue under the theme Housing the World: Safe and Resilient Cities and Communities. This theme resonates strongly with our national priorities and aspirations. Eswatini recognizes that adequate housing is not merely a basic human need, but a fundamental driver of dignity, social inclusion, economic growth, and environmental sustainability. It is central to achieving the vision of an integrated, prosperous, and peaceful world as outlined in Agenda 2030 and the New Urban Agenda. In Eswatini, rapid urbanization continues to present both opportunities and challenges. Increasing rural-to-urban migration is placed pressure on housing supply, urban infrastructure, and service delivery systems. As a result, informal settlements have expanded, often lacking basic services. In response, the government of Eswatini has prioritized housing and urban development as key pillars of national development. Through our national policies and strategic frameworks, we are working to promote the development of affordable and adequate housing for all income groups through a certain housing board, and to strengthen spatial planning systems to ensure orderly, inclusive, and sustainable settlements. Also, to facilitate access to serviced land and secure land tenure through our Crown Lands Disposal Program, and upgrade informal settlements and improve access to essential services by working together with urban local authorities and multilateral partners. And integrate as well climate resilience and environmental sustainability into housing and urban development legislative frameworks. Eswatini remains committed to aligning its housing and urban development agenda with regional and global frameworks, including Agenda 2030, particularly Goal Number 11 on sustainable cities and communities. To achieve this, we call for strengthened regional and global cooperation, knowledge sharing, and increased investment in innovative housing solutions, including the use of locally available and sustainable building materials. In conclusion, Eswatini reaffirms its commitment to advancing socioeconomic and environmental transformation through sustainable housing and urban development. We stand ready to collaborate with fellow nations, development partners, and stakeholders to accelerate progress towards the realization of adequate, safe, and resilient housing for all in Eswatini and around the globe. Thank you.

Much. You are talking about strategic frameworks and the strengthening of spatial planning and giving a lot of weight to legislative framework. I will— I think I am told Chakir is here. Yes, it's your turn. 3 minutes, brother.

Thank you.

Distinguished ministers, esteemed delegates, ladies and gentlemen, I'd like to extend my respectful greetings to you on behalf of myself and my nation. I would like to express my gratitude to UN-Habitat, the government of Azerbaijan, and the City of Baku for their efforts in organizing the 13th World Urban Forum, one of the United Nations' most important global platforms. Today, our cities are at the center of global challenges such as climate change, disasters, and rapid urbanization and housing pressures. As Turkey, we view safe, accessible, and resilient housing policies as critical to the future of sustainable The earthquakes that struck our country on February 6th, 2023, have clearly demonstrated that urban resilience is no longer a choice but a necessity. In the aftermath of the earthquakes, Turkey has launched one of the most comprehensive reconstruction processes in history. Our approach is not merely to rebuild what was destroyed, Our ultimate goal is to prepare our cities for the future in a more resilient, sustainable, low-carbon, and climate-resilient manner. With this understanding, we are continuing our efforts in safe housing, robust infrastructure, energy efficiency, clean energy applications, and on-site transformation. We believe that sustainable housing production must be supported by the effective use of of public resources, utilization of state-owned lands, revenue-sharing models with the private sector, and appropriate financing tools and long-term payment options. In Turkey, approximately 15% of total housing production is carried out by the public sector while 85% is carried out by the private sector. The state's fundamental duty is to create a robust ecosystem that ensures access to safe, quality, affordable housing for our low- and middle-income citizens. Over the past 20 years, the public sector has constructed approximately 1.75 million social housing units, providing safe housing for over 7 million citizens, while also transforming approximately 2.5 million independent units to make our cities safer against disasters and climate risks. We view housing not merely as a matter of shelter and accommodation, but it is a fundamental element of social inclusion, resilience, and sustainable development. Turkey made significant contributions to the global urban agenda at the Habitat II Conference held in Istanbul in 1995. Today, we are addressing the transformation of our cities in alignment with the new urban agenda, focusing on climate adaptation, disaster resilience, sustainable housing, energy efficiency, smart cities, and inclusive approach to urban development. As a country hosting COP 31 presidency, we organized Turkey as part to COP 31 Resilient Cities. Program in Hatay to make cities resilient against climate change and other disasters. We shared the work we have prepared in the field of low-carbon, sustainable, and resilient urbanization with international partners. I would like to take this opportunity to state that we are ready to share the concrete steps our country has taken and our experience in line with the global global climate goals with all nations. On this occasion, I hope that WUF13 will serve as a catalyst for concrete collaboration and I greet you all with respect.

Minister, thank you very much for that statement, very commendable, 1.75 million social housing units. I will now call— I think this is the last minister. on my, on my list, Zimbabwe, Minister responsible for human settlement. Are you here, Zimbabwe? Behind?

Yes, Honorable Chair. I am standing in for the Honorable Minister of National Housing and Social Amenities. Who cannot be with us at the moment, but he has asked me to proceed to present his submission. So I would like to stand on the already observed protocol and affirm that the implementation of the New Urban Agenda in Zimbabwe has been met with mixed results, where we had some success stories and some challenges that have been encountered. The bulk of the challenges emanated from the macroeconomic environment as well as the economic sanctions imposed on the country. And being a developing country, Zimbabwe has endured the effects of high rate of urbanization. This has manifested in emergence of informal and dysfunctional settlements across the major urban and peri-urban areas. However, the government of Zimbabwe has managed to revise the housing policy, and they launched the new Zimbabwe National Human Settlements Policy, which was launched in 2021. So the policy framework, we are covered in that aspect. Then we have about 92 local authorities, 32 of which are urban and 60 are rural. In all these 92 local authorities, there's a huge deficit of offsite infrastructure, particularly for water and sewer treatment and transmission, as well as proper roads and public lighting. The high urbanization rate put a strain on the existing infrastructure, some of which have outlived their useful lifespan. In 2023, government adopted the Presidential Title Deeds Program, which is meant to facilitate regularization of informal settlements. City of Umtatare, for instance, there's a settlement where now water is now accessible at the watershed level, and some households are accessing through water kiosks Then, in terms of security of tenure, the title deed is the dominant form of tenure in Zimbabwe, of which 58.6% are homeowners, while 19.3% are on rental. Then, in terms of land governance and administration in Zimbabwe, land for human settlements development is owned by central government, local authorities, and the private sector.

Then, affordability.

Government normally provides the social housing, which is regarded as a non-profitable enterprise, so the private sector then plugs the gap that is available for housing. Then in terms of housing finance, this is the major obstacle that the country is encountering, where we don't have adequate funding for offsite infrastructure. Like I indicated, the existing infrastructure is obsolete and needs replacement and refurbishment. Then, in terms of domestic resource mobilization, Zimbabwe is predominantly private sector driven. That shows that there's a multiplicity of players in housing delivery in Zimbabwe. And regional funding—we are class initial orders to Shelter Africa Development Bank, and we have accessed close to 72.5 million in lines of credit. But in terms of international funding, Since the turn of the millennium, Zimbabwe has not been able to access international housing finance due to the economic sanctions. I submit, Chair. Thank you.

Zimbabwe, I think you are like every other country. We have infrastructure challenges which require to be renewed, and that's what you are saying, looking at governance issues and social amenities being provided to informal settlements. I'm now calling upon Romania. The Deputy Minister is here. Romania? Yes? Yes, please proceed.

Thank you. Romania saluta organizzare queste riunioni ministeriali. Si considera che il processo di evaluare e intermediare a nuove agende urbane rappresenta opportunità essenziali per riflettere e nuovamente ragionare sul processo di realizzazione sia sul Rexilor What are the shared priorities of our petro-urban areas? Romania welcomes the convening of this ministerial meeting and considers the midterm review process of the New Urban Agenda as a crucial opportunity not only to reflect on progress achieved but also on lessons learned and priorities for the years ahead. In support of this process, Romania has prepared its national report on the implementation of the New Urban Agenda. The report reflects both the progress achieved and the structural challenges faced by Romanian urban and housing system. At the same time, it reaffirms our commitment to strengthening integrated urban development policies centered on people and oriented towards resilience and inclusion. Are moderate radical orashe le nostre unele au devenit pol regional de cresteresci inovale intimt ce altele sau confrontacu declin demografic pierdere funcilor economice și degradare a fondului construit astuz sistemul urban romanesc reflecta aceaste dualitate pe de alta parte exista orashe dinamice și orashe periurbane arfarate supresione a cresterii accelerate a cresterii costuri lor locuirici a extinderi urbane ne controlate Romania's experience shows that urban transformations are deeply shaped by historical, social, and economic context. After decades of centrally planned urbanization and forced industrialization, the post-communist transition has radically reshaped our cities. Some have become regional hubs of growth and innovation, while others have faced demographic decline, loss of economic functions, and deterioration of the built environment. Today, Romania's urban system reflects this duality. On the one hand, there are dynamic cities and peri-urban areas under pressure from rapid growth, rising housing costs, and uncontrolled urban expansion. On the other hand, many small and medium-sized are facing population decline, vacant housing, and difficulties in urban regeneration. or vulnerabilities or opportunities strategic. Multe cladir sunt inefficiențe energetici vulnerabile la seism, îns îele oferă un potențial major pentru regenerare urbana integrat. Investitii în renovare a locuințe, loriefficiență energetica, accesibilitate și spazi publice pot contribuși simultan la obiectiv climatici, la reducere asaraci e energetici și la creștere calității vieze Thank you. For Romania, housing has become one of the most important challenges of sustainable urban development. Access to adequate housing directly influences social inclusion, access to economic opportunities, and the resilience of communities in the face of climate and demographic changes. The existing housing stock, largely built during the socialist period, represents both a vulnerability and a strategic opportunity. Many buildings are energy inefficient and structurally vulnerable, yet they offer significant potential for integrated urban regeneration. Investment in housing renovation, energy efficiency, accessibility, and public spaces can contribute to climate objectives, reduce energy poverty, and improve quality of life. Occupare sui servizi sociali. At the same time, our experience shows that housing policies cannot be separated from social policies. Housing vulnerability is closely linked to access to education, healthcare, employment, and social services. Un altro aspetto essenziale è la necessità di avere uno sviluppo urbano mai bene coordinato a livello areale e funzionale. Estendere la periurbana incontrollata degli ultimi decenni ha generato pressioni maggiori a infrastrutture Another key aspect is the need for better coordinated urban development at the level of functional urban areas. Uncontrolled peri-urban expansion over recent decades has created significant pressure on infrastructure, mobility, and the environment. Romania considers compact development, urban regeneration, and strengthening metropolitan cooperation as essential conditions for more sustainable and resilient cities. In conclusion, Romania reaffirms its commitment to actively contributing to the implementation of the New Urban Agenda, to strengthening international cooperation, and to promoting integrated urban policies that respond to the real needs of our communities. Thank you very much.

Thank you, Deputy Minister, and thank you for that statement. Yeah, good clap. Yes, they are recognizing that there is an opportunity in investing in housing construction and renovation of existing infrastructure or houses. The historical and social context is clearly shaping the transformation and development agenda in Romania. Azerbaijan Deputy Minister is here.

Yes.

Yes.

Assalamu alaikum, dear colleagues, ladies and gentlemen. First and foremost, let me express thankfulness to the organizers from the Fraternal Azerbaijan for the organization of this forum and for the opportunity to present the new program of urban development of Uzbekistan. Urbanization for Uzbekistan has a strategic importance as the population of the country has surpassed 38 million people, whereas the urbanization level has surpassed 51%. Nowadays, over 20 million of our, of our population is residing in cities. By the year 20—

2030.

2040, our population will reach 40 million, and we consider urbanization as an opportunity to, to increase the quality of life. That's why in Uzbekistan we are implementing institutional reforms, introduce international standards, and implement territorial planning to develop modern Modern-day urban space. Our approach completely coincides with the principles of the new urban agenda centered in human life, sustainability, and quality of life. Nowadays, urbanization is not only about the development of urban spaces, but it's about the establishment of new jobs in increase of entrepreneurship and expansion of economy. The 1% growth of urbanization will account for additional 1% of GDP growth, according to our studies. Following the reforms, it's apparent that in the past 9 years, the construction market has increased from $10 to $25 million. We have created over We have established over 10,000 new construction companies and 210 million additional square meters of housing has been built. And the key criteria nowadays is not about the quantity of the housing units, but the quality of life. To increase and enhance the efficiency of management, we have come up with a new institutional system, the National Committee Responsible for the Development of the Market, which encompasses investment, environmental, and development policies. On top of that, the government is actively supporting the development Thank you. In the past 9 years, $11 million have been allocated by way of subsidies to the development of new housing. The key symbol has to do with the project titled New Tashkent, which is based upon the 15-minute city concept. Dear colleagues, Nowadays, Uzbekistan is developing the new model of sustainable urbanization based upon the transparent financial system, the development of a comfortable urban space. And we— because we are sure that it is the sustainable cities that will provide a foundation for the development of new generations, as Uzbekistan is open for the international cooperation, exchange of technologies, and joint promotion of the new urban plan and its development. Thank you very much for your attention.

Thank you, thank you, Deputy Minister. Russian Federation, Deputy Minister of Construction, Housing, and Utilities of Russian Federation.

The Russian Federation, dear participants and guests of the 13th session, Thank you, Mr. President, for your kind words.

Thank you.

It's a great honor for the Russian delegation to participate in the World Urban Forum in Baku, a city that embodies the combination of historical traditions and cutting-edge innovation. The complex and interconnected challenges facing cities, from addressing environmental issues to providing affordable housing and sustainable infrastructure, make international cooperation, the exchange of best practices, and the development of coordinated approaches to urban agglomeration development particularly important. The Russian Federation remains committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and implementing the UN-Habitat Strategic Plan for 2026-2029. The construction industry is one of the drivers of Russia's economic development. New residential neighborhoods and social facilities High-speed railways are being built across the country. Utility infrastructure is being modernized, and public spaces, parks, and embankments are being improved. These changes create the basis for the well-being of current and future generations, a comfortable and dignified life. Russia is implementing a large-scale national project, Infrastructure for Life. and safe environment in all regions of the country. The environmental quality indicator is based on 15 components, including transport, roads, housing, social facilities, culture, sports, public utilities, and digital accessibility. Digital system has been created to implement the project, a dedicated containing data on the implementation of 118,000 events, With funding of approximately $90 billion in 2025 through 2030, the President of the Russian Federation has ordered the development of 200 master plans that will establish a unified logic for the development of the country's territory. This allows for comprehensive planning, coordinating the development of social and engineering transport infrastructure, Transport infrastructure, demographic and economic forecasts, the ability to identify priority investment projects. We consider housing construction to be key, a tool for improving citizens' quality of life and economy and promoting sustainable development. Thank you very much for your attention, colleagues.

Thank you, Deputy Minister. I will now ask South Sudan Deputy Minister, South Sudan Undersecretary, Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development. South Sudan.

Excellencies, distinguished participants, ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon. In urban centers. Despite continuing challenges related to conflict, infrastructure deficits, institutional limitations, climate vulnerability, the financing gaps, the government remains committed to promoting inclusive resilience and sustainable human settlements. Over the past decade, gradual progress has been made in integrating urbanization into national development priorities and sector planning processes. Particular emphasis has been placed on strengthening the legal and institutional framework for land governance, recognizing land as central to sustainable urbanization, social stability, and economic development. Efforts to improve land administration systems, physical planning processes, and urban management has contributed to better coordination, of urban growth and reduce land-related disputes in some urban areas. The government, working with United Nations agencies, development partners, civil society organizations, and local authorities, have supported initiatives in infrastructure rehabilitation, municipal service delivery, urban recovery, and informal settlement management. Municipal authorities, including the Juba City Council, have increasingly promoted participatory planning approaches involving communities and local authorities. Capacity building programs for technical institutions and local governments, together with efforts to strengthen spatial planning and urban data systems, are laying an important foundation for future implementation of the New Urban agenda. South Sudan recognizes that substantial efforts are still required during the period 2026-2036. Priority actions include strengthening municipal institutions and urban governance systems, developing and improving enforcement of urban planning regulations, advancing land governance reforms, and secure tenure systems. Systems and expanding access to essential urban services including water, sanitation, roads, and urban and drainage infrastructure. The country also prioritizes climate resilience infrastructure, sustainable municipal financing, digital urban management systems, and improved urban data for evidence-based planning. In addition, South Sudan seeks to promote balanced territorial development through investment in secondary towns and emerging urban centers while supporting youth employment, livelihoods, and inclusive local economic development. Strengthening peacebuilding and social cohesion within urban communities remain essential for sustainable urban transformation. The Government of South Sudan calls for strengthened international cooperation, financing, technical assistance, and knowledge exchange to support effective implementation of the New Urban Agenda.

South Sudan remains committed to advancing inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities and human settlements in line with the Sustainable Development Goals. Thank you for listening.

Thank you for your statement. I think it's important to say that capacity building, strengthening of urban planning and land governance, including regularization of informal settlement and titling, are coming out very strong in the various statements from different countries. Thank you. I will now ask Africa Union Director-General Africa Union? Yes, you are there.

Thank you, Madam Chairperson. Madam Chairperson, on behalf of Excellencies, honorable ministers, on behalf of the African Union Commission, allow me to express our sincere appreciation to the Government of Azerbaijan and UN-Habitat for convening this 13th session of the World Urban Forum at such a critical moment for the future of urbanization globally and particularly enough for Africa. We gather at the time when Africa's urban transition is unfolding at a unprecedented pace. Urbanization on our continent is no longer a distant prospect. It is a defining reality and one of the most powerful megatrends shaping Africa's future. By 2050, nearly two-thirds of Africa— two-thirds of Africans are expected to live in urban areas, with cities already contributing more than 75% of national income across many countries. The success of both the 2030 Agenda and the African Union Agenda 2063, the Africa we want, will be determined by how African cities and human settlements are planned, governed, financed, and managed. It is in recognition of this strategic importance that the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union established the Specialized Technical Committee on Public Service, Local Government, Urban Development and Decentralization, commonly known as STC number 8. Through its subcommittee on urban development and human settlement, the African Union Commission has continued to provide political leadership and continental coordination on sustainable urbanization, housing, local governance and territorial development. African Union, UNECA, and UN-Habitat. The framework remains Africa's principal continental instrument for aligning the implementation of the New Urban Agenda with Agenda 2063, the Sustainable Development Goals, climate commitments, and national development priorities. It provides a coherent platform for strengthening national urban policies, integrated territorial planning, urban resilience financing system, data and monitoring framework, and multi-level governance approaches across the continent. In support of the global review and reporting process on the implementation of the New Urban Agenda, African Union has— African Union also collaborated closely with UN-Habitat and continental partners in the development of of the Africa New Urban Agenda report to be presented during the High-Level Political Forum. The report provides an important continental assessment of progress, challenges, emerging priorities in the implementation of the New Urban Agenda across Africa. In furtherance of this continental agenda and to support the African member states African Union, through the STC number 8, established the Africa Urban Forum as Africa's premier multi-stakeholder platform that creates an opportunity for member states to dialogue, share best practices, and exchange ideas on urbanization and sustainable urban development in the continent. The forum was formally established following the Cairo Declaration of 2022, with the objective of creating a continental platform to elevate urbanization as a strategic driver of structural transformation in Africa. The Addis Ababa Declaration adopted during the first Africa Urban Forum, which was held under the theme Sustainable Urbanization for Africa's Transformation Agenda 2063, called for strength, political commitment, integrated territorial planning, climate resilience, climate-resilient urban development, innovative urban financing mechanisms, affordable housing delivery, slum transformation, and enhanced municipal finance. Importantly, AU African Urban Forum 1 emphasizes the central role of cities and local government in advancing Africa Continental Free Trade Area, industrialization, digital transformation, and climate adaptation. It further called for urbanization management for structural transformation to be elevated among Africa's highest continental priorities. Excellencies, building on the outcome of Addis Ababa, African Union convened the 2nd Africa Forum— 2nd Africa Urban Forum successfully in Nairobi, Kenya, in April 2026, under the theme Adequate Housing for All. Advancing Africa's Agenda 2063. Africa Urban Forum reaffirmed that housing is not merely a social sector issue, but a strategic economic, environmental, and developmental asset. Housing is central to job creation, industrialization, local economic development, climate resilience, and social inclusion. The Nairobi Declaration highlighted the urgent need to address Africa's housing deficit, informal settlement, and infrastructure gaps through integrated and inclusive approaches. The Nairobi Declaration therefore advances a strong implementation agenda focused on strengthening national urban and housing policies, scaling up innovative and blended financing for housing, and infrastructure, empowering local and subnational governments with fiscal and planning capabilities— capacities, integrated climate resilience into urban planning and housing system, promoting digital transformation, smart cities, and urban data system, leveraging the ACFTA industrial parks and special economic zones for territorial transformation and institutionalizing monitoring, reporting, and accountability mechanisms for the implementation of the New Urban Agenda in Africa. Excellencies, the African Union recognizes that urbanization is deeply interconnected with the continent's broader priority on climate action, infrastructure corridor development, industrialization, migration governance, water security, digital transformation, youth employment, and social justice. This integrated approach was reaffirmed during the 12th Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development convened by United Nations Economic Commission for Africa in partnership with African Union Commission and other partners earlier this year in Addis Ababa. The forum underscored the importance of moving from dialogue to implementation platform, empowering subnational governments, strengthening integrated urban planning, investing in climate resilience infrastructure, scaling up innovative financing, and also positioning cities as engines of inclusive and green structural transformation. In this regard, Africa's engagement at WUF13 is guided by a clear conviction: sustainable urbanization must be treated not as a sectoral issue, but as a strategic pathway for achieving Agenda 2063 and also accelerating the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals. As we approach the 10-year review of the New Urban Agenda, Africa stands ready to contribute actively to the global conversation with practical experiences, locally driven innovation, and a strong commitment to implementation. Africa's urban future presents immense opportunity for transforming our economies, strengthening resilience, deepening regional integration, and improving the quality of life of our citizens. However, achieving this vision requires strengthened partnership, enhanced political will, predictable and accessible financing, technology transfer, data system, and also greater support for local and regional governments who remain at the forefront of implementation. We want to present the Nairobi Declaration from the Africa Urban Forum 2 as the major contribution of the continent to the New Urban Agenda review process. The African Union Commission therefore calls upon all partners to continue supporting Africa for to operationalize the Harmonized Regional Framework for the Implementation of the New Urban Agenda in Africa, strengthen the Africa Urban Forum process, and scale up investment in affordable housing, resilient infrastructure, urban climate action, and inclusive cities. Allow me to conclude by reaffirming Africa's collective commitment to advancing sustainable, inclusive, climate-resilient, and people-centered urbanization. African cities and human settlement must become engine of prosperity, innovation, dignity, and opportunity for all. I thank you for attention.

Thank you. Thank you for that statement. I thought you will say that I hosted you— we hosted you in Nairobi, and you have well articulated the declaration. Thank you for capturing it. Thank you. Allow me to first call the next in the line, is European Union. Ambassador Permanent Representative is here? European Union?

Yes, right behind you.

Yeah, yeah, proceed.

Honorable Chair, honorable ministers, dear colleagues and friends. It's a pleasure to address you on behalf of Dani Jorgensen, European Commissioner for Energy and Housing. But before I start the intervention, I would first like to thank the government of Azerbaijan for hosting the forum, and I would also like to thank UN-Habitat for dedicating this forum to housing and focusing on building safe and resilient cities and communities. This is indeed timely because affordable housing is one of the biggest challenges our societies around the world face. If people have no roofs over their head, if the roof is not safe and secure, this challenges the essence of our communities. Affordable, sustainable, and quality housing is a prerequisite for a healthy society for sustainability and development at large. As the President of the Commission has recently said, housing is not just a commodity, it is a fundamental right. There is no single silver bullet to tackle this housing crisis. Every local community faces different problems, and these issues require diverse, often profoundly diverse answers based on local circumstances and local efforts, but with overarching governmental and intergovernmental support. This is why I equally thank you for sharing your experiences, expertise and views now and during the upcoming days. We in the European Union have not been spared from the impact of the housing crisis either. Housing is primarily the responsibility of member states, regions and cities, but as President von der Leyen said, if this is an issue for Europeans, it is also a question for Europe. So she nominated the first-ever Commissioner responsible for housing and the Housing Task Force, whose representatives will join you for this conference. The Commission has put forward the European Affordable Housing Plan last December. This is a comprehensive plan rooted in European and local realities and challenges. It is based on cooperation with regional and local authorities as well as, of course, our member states. It covers 4 equally important pillars: boosting supply, mobilizing investment, and immediate reforms while, very importantly, protecting the most vulnerable. We are already working hard to implement and put in place the actions identified in the plan. Our citizens are encountering rising housing costs every day. This adds to a greater urgency to work together. Dear friends, we are eager to share our experiences and to learn from your international experiences around the world. This is what this forum is about. I trust that together we can make a difference and help arrive to the point where everybody has a place to call home. Thank you.

Thank you very much, even for keeping time. European Union, their statement is clear there. I will ask Nepal. Their Deputy Minister is here, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Urban Development. Nepal.

Thank you. Madam Chair, Madam Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN-Habitat, President of UN-Habitat Assembly, Chair of UN-Habitat Executive Board, Excellencies and distinguished country delegates, I am honored to bring Nepal's perspective as Joint Secretary at the 13th session of the World Urban Forum. Nepal's commitment to implementation of the New Urban Agenda is reflected through our national report in 2016 and progress report in 2025. After Habitat III, Nepal has undertaken a number of policy initiatives on land, housing, basic services, and urban development in accordance with the global commitments. Nepal has made significant progress in social inclusion and gender integration. Through constitutional provisions with gender-responsive budgeting across all sectors and tiers of the government. The legal framework ensures rights for most marginalized communities on to land, housing, and basic services supported by Right to Housing Act and Land Act, and similarly by WAS Act. With 40% of population in peri-urban areas, and 33 in rural areas. The urban and rural linkage is essential. Major investment on connectivity, urban corridors, and new towns and provincial capital aim to balance regional development that link under the economic development which need to be under— unlocked by addressing infrastructure and financing constraints. Climate change is a significant threat to Nepal. The National Adaptation Plan and Third National Development Committee aims to guide both adaptation and mitigation for sustainable development. Nepal demonstrated the largest housing reconstruction after 2015 earthquake with the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act and the establishment of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority. as a key milestone. With the federal restructuring and 3 tiers of government, sectoral policies, acts, and plans have been realigned. Digital Nepal framework, e-governance, and smart cities are under— and their integration into service delivery is expanding. I would like to reinforce our commitment to National Urban Agenda implementation. While more efforts are needed address climate change, infrastructure financing, and housing gap. The pre-Old Urban Forum convention in April this year emphasized the need for a dedicated national social housing policy to provide clearer direction and an institutional mechanism with dedicated funding. Climate crisis is putting our development efforts at risk. Urgent global attention is needed as it is about climate justice to least developed countries taking the brunt of climate change. We are committed to collaborating with the international communities and the UN system in this regard for implementing the New Urban Agenda meaningfully and through collective action. Thank you.

Thank you very much, Deputy Minister. I will now ask Yemen— Minister is here, Minister for Public Works and Highways, Yemen.

Yeah, yes, I am here.

Your Excellency, Head of the World Urban Forum, Your Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon you all. It is a pleasure for me to be here with you in this very important World Urban Forum that combines a galaxy of decision-makers and experts in order to discuss issues related to cities and sustainable development at a time in which challenges are arising on the urban level and worldwide. Cities today come amidst important changes, be it those related to population growth or climate change or the need for better infrastructure that is comprehensive and resilient. In this regard, we in the Republic of Yemen believe in the importance importance of setting a comprehensive urban approach, putting people center and first front. And despite the many challenges that we are going through in Yemen, we are continuing to work on enhancing our resilience and bettering our basic services, including developing infrastructure and expanding access to water, drainage, and the road networks, which will contribute to bettering the standard of living of our citizens. We'd also like to reaffirm the importance of international partnerships, exchange of information, in order to help us restore, renovate, and build cities that are more sustainable, resilient, and capable of coping with change. Cooperation between states and institutions is a main pillar for attaining the aspired-for sustainable urban agenda. Ladies and gentlemen, the sustainable urban future that we are aspiring for is a future that is based on justice, comprehensivity, and inclusion of everyone. We have to provide opportunities that respect the environment and respect the need of future generations. In conclusion, I'd like to express my gratitude to the Republic of Azerbaijan for the warm welcome, generous hospitality and gracious reception and wishing this forum all the success and that it comes up with fruitful recommendations for cities that are better for everyone. And may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon you all.

I'm here. Gracias. Thank you very much, Ms. Chair. On behalf of the government of Peru, I would like to express our greetings and our gratitude to the Republic of Azerbaijan and UN-Habitat for convening this important dialogue in the framework of the 13th session of the World Urban Forum. This takes place as a key moment to project a political declaration and statement that we wish that is mainly focused on rights and the advancement in the fulfillment of Agenda 2030, in particular SDG 11. For Peru, housing is a key pillar to build more inclusive, safe, and resilient cities. Our approach integrates housing, basic services, infrastructure, and high-quality public services, and we adapt climate resilience and the reduction of disaster risks. They— we incorporate it in urban planning. In the last 10 years, we strengthened our legal framework for urban planning. Amongst our main advancements, there is a new law for sustainable urban development, urban mobility instruments, and a recent act on management and protection of public spaces. Likewise, since 2021, Peru has institutionalized multi-stakeholder dialogue through the National Urban Forum with the support of UN-Habitat. Mr. Chair, looking into this new stage of implementation of the New Urban Agenda, Peru will prioritize the strengthening of its regulatory frameworks by including criteria of circular economy, energy efficiency, and universal accessibility. However, we consider that the ambitions should go hand in hand with resources and implementation means. That is why we consider it is essential to strengthen urban financing, transfer of technologies, and capacity building mainly for developing countries. Thank you for your attention.

Thank you very much, Pelu. I will ask the Mayor of the Municipality of The Hague, Netherlands, to please take the mic.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Your Excellencies, dear representatives of national and regional and local governments, distinguished guests, it's an honour to address you today at this ministerial meeting on the New Urban Agenda. Agenda, as part of the 13th World Urban Forum. I speak to you as Mayor of The Hague, Chair of the International Delegation of the Association of Netherlands Municipalities, and as a member of the Executive Presidency of United Cities and Local Governments, UCLG, representing over 70% of the world's population. Dear all, as we reach the midpoint of the New Urban Agenda, this is a key moment on the road to the review of SDG 11 later this year and the reflection by the UN General Assembly. The theme of this forum, Housing the World, addresses one of the most urgent challenges of our time. Nearly 3 billion people live in inadequate housing while climate change continues to deepen inequalities. The right to housing Housing is a fundamental human right. Yet the current crisis shows how far we still are from realizing this right. It is a global challenge, affecting societies in both the Global North and South, and impacting a wide range of income groups. Cities are the frontline of this challenge. The Hague may not be the largest city but it has a strong international profile and a clear ambition: to connect global agendas with local action. We invest in city diplomacy and international partnerships to exchange knowledge and scale solutions. In the Netherlands, we face a major housing challenge. We need to build 100,000 homes per year, including through inner-city development. Yet quantity alone is not enough. In The Hague, we also improve the quality of our housing by upgrading 10,000 homes annually. This reduces energy demand, lowers emissions, and keeps housing affordable. It is essential for our climate ambitions. At the same time, we know that housing is not just about building. It is about infrastructure, green space, and strong communities. A good example is the development of our Central Innovation District, where we combine housing with social cohesion, participation, and climate adaptation. By integrating living, working, and learning, we create inclusive and resilient and urban environments. This example reflects the Dutch conviction: solving the housing crisis requires an integrated approach across policy areas and levels of government. Local governments have proven their capacity to act, innovate, and respond to crises. A successful example is the New Urban Agenda for the European Union, where local, national and EU-level governments co-create solutions to urban challenges. We therefore call for stronger multi-level governance and for cities to be recognized not only as implementers but as political actors that help shape global agendas. In closing, housing is not only about supply. It is about dignity, stability, and trust in society. The right to a home is a cornerstone of resilient and inclusive cities. When we speak of housing the world, the urgency is clear. Solutions exist, but no single actor can deliver them alone. It requires all levels of government working together with communities, guided by equity, solidarity, and shared responsibility. Thank you very much.

Thank you very much. Poland. Poland, I have the Ambassador or the representative, the Permanent Ambassador is here. Yes, please proceed.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Dear colleagues, distinguished delegates.

Please proceed. Thank you.

Let me start by expressing Poland's gratitude to the government of Azerbaijan for hosting this important conference and for warm hospitality which we experience here in Baku. Our appreciation goes also to the UN-Habitat. Distinguished delegates, ensuring sustainable development of urban areas and quality of life for their residents is increasingly important considering the growing urban population and the socio-economic challenges. The New Urban Agenda provides an excellent guiding framework in this regard, and Poland is honored to serve as co-facilitator of the political declaration of the review process for its implementation. Poland incorporates the New Urban Agenda recommendation— recommendations, as well as the objectives under the Sustainable Development Goal 11, into its strategic policy documents. Our main goals are Improving quality of the residents' life, ensuring the quality of the natural environment and promoting climate adaptation measures, improving the efficiency of urban mobility systems, and increasing social capital with particular attention to housing needs. Speaking about housing, let me express our appreciation for establishing of the open-ended Intergovernmental Expert Working Group on Adequate Housing for All, in which Poland actively participates. This platform provides significant support for the implementation of the New Urban Agenda commitments. Ladies and gentlemen, I am glad that Poland can share many good practices with other countries. Like the Social Housing Initiatives Programme that involves nonprofit companies, municipalities, and the government support, or the Cities Partnership Initiative, the programme implemented in cooperation with the World Bank to facilitate the exchange and dissemination of knowledge among cities and other stakeholders involved in shaping and implementing urban policy. Poland is actively engaged in development assistance to our partner countries to support the implementation of the New Urban Agenda and SDG 11. To give some example, for 2026-27, we scheduled projects in Moldova in the fields of revitalization, urban policy, and integrated development planning at the local and regional levels. We are also glad to cooperate with the UN-Habitat in Lebanon in implementing projects supporting Lebanese civil defense. Ladies and gentlemen, Poland highly values the UN-Habitat activities and supports its mandate. We are proud to have contributed to the UN-Habitat works during the important period of its governance reform, institutional consolidation, and strategic planning as a member of the UN-Habitat Executive Board from 2019 to 2025. Constant commitment and concrete actions are essential to advance sustainable urban development, to ensure access to affordable housing, and to reduce inequalities, and we believe believe that effective international cooperation is crucial to this end. Thank you for your attention.

Thank you. Thank you, Poland. Thank you very much. Senegal, there is— the ambassador is here or their permanent representative?

Madame la Présidente.

Ms. Chair, Excellencies, distinguished guests, in the name of the government President of Senegal, my delegation would like to thank and to commend the Azerbaijani government, the city of Baku, as well as UN-Habitat for the warm welcome that we have received and for the perfect organization of this World Urban Forum. Senegal Brazil also commends the fact that you decided to organize this ministerial roundtable. It is a decisive step for the midterm review of our agenda. In 2016, in Quito, we decided to make some commitments. We decided to buy sustainable resilient and safe cities. 10 years later, we can now affirm that this commitment was not only a promise, but that it was now fleshed out in what we've realized since then. Since we've decided to adopt a new urban agenda, we have placed right to housing at the heart of our policies. We have intensified also some programs to offer to more modest families or more vulnerable families a fair access to land ownership. In the same time, new urban poles were created, and this shows that we want to make sure that the city doesn't stay so full that we can also have other attractive poles outside of the city. We want to improve the accessibility of secondary cities in Senegal to improve the everyday life of our citizens. We have improved roads, we have put new lighting systems, there is better security and safety measures in the cities. Now, when it comes to mobility, it is experiencing a real revolution. We have now an express train at the regional level, and we have also fast buses that are showing that we're committed to go into that transition where— with a less carbonized transportation system. We have made strong improvements. However, we are still faced with a great deal of challenges because urbanization is sprawling and sometimes it is really difficult to contain. That is why for the next 10 years, the priorities of my countries are axed on many different prongs. We want to keep the vision that we've set out in our— in the new urban agenda for national cohesion. We are now planning with 8 new economic poles in my country so that we can have a stronger valorization of our capital city, Dakar. At the same time, We want climate resilience to be a requirement for everybody. We want to fight against floods but also against land erosion. The future of our cities depends also on financing and governance, and that's why we're calling upon you to have more flexible mechanism at the local level so that national policies can be translated into tangible realities. Thus, Senegal is now starting this new period, 26-36, with a strong conviction: housing is not only a burden, it is the foundation of human dignity and of economic development. Our projects are guided by the program called Senegal 2050, are a strong contribution to the world agenda. We will submit our detailed report so that it can be analyzed during the high-level meeting in July 2026. Thank you very much for your attention.

Thank you, Senegal. United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, we have Ambassador to Azerbaijan. Please take the mic.

Okay, merci.

Madam Chair, Excellencies, distinguished colleagues, today we all remember that rain is a gift from God. The United Kingdom welcomes this ministerial meeting as a timely opportunity to renew commitment and accelerate delivery of sustainable urbanization to 2036. 10 years on from Habitat III, cities continue to drive innovation, investment, and opportunity, but progress remains uneven. Inequalities are widening, housing pressures are growing, and climate impacts and fiscal constraints are intensifying. The central challenge is not an absence of agreed principles but a persistent implementation gap. The UK remains fully committed to the New Urban Agenda as a practical accelerator for the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals. We are working internationally with partners to deliver In 2024, we joined the CHAMP initiative initiated at COP28. We are collaborating with the C40 and German government on the Urban Climate Action Programme to support low-carbon, climate-resilient urban development. Through UK Partnerships for Accelerated Climate Transitions, we are helping partner countries strengthen strengthen urban planning policy and climate action. With uneven SDG progress, we must focus on implementing existing commitments and prioritize interventions that accelerate delivery. Madam Chair, housing is central to the new urban agenda. The UK supports renewed commitment to adequate, affordable, and climate-resilient housing alongside universal access to basic services. Housing underpins inclusive development, expands access to core infrastructure and services, and is essential to tackling rising homelessness and informal settlements. In the UK, we are strengthening the financing of housing delivery through long-term public investment and new financial instruments to mobilize private capital and support affordable housing at scale. We have committed to delivering 1.5 million safe, decent, and affordable homes this Parliament, supported by an integrated approach aligning housing with infrastructure, services, and sustainable communities. Here in Baku, we recognize the role of sustainable urbanization in supporting peace stability, and shared prosperity. Cities are where people rebuild livelihoods and shape a shared future. Recent progress between Azerbaijan and Armenia highlights how inclusive, resilient, and sustainable development can support reconstruction, regional connectivity, and long-term peace. Azerbaijan's smart city and smart village approaches demonstrate how technology and planning can improve lives when centered on people and communities. The UK is proud to support these efforts, with leading UK firms helping design and develop urban environments across Azerbaijan. As WUF 13 host, Azerbaijan has a valuable platform to showcase how modern urban development can help translate peace into tangible benefits for communities, including through better housing, digital connectivity, and access to economic opportunity. Looking ahead, the UK highlights 3 priorities. First, to focus on delivery. We support a concise, forward-looking, and action-oriented approach to the NUA review, prioritizing feasible actions stronger partnerships, and clear accountability to ensure commitments translate into tangible improvements in people's lives. Second, to strengthen means of delivery, we must address the practical constraints to accelerated progress by mobilizing sustainable finance and investment, leveraging science, technology, and innovation, and building capacity to deliver resilient infrastructure at the city level. The UK is evolving its offer from donor to investor, from grants to expertise, developing bankable projects, enabling environments, and crowding in investment. At the international level, a more coordinated, effective, and responsive multilateral system is essential. Delivery should be taken forward within existing institutional mandates, with clarity across the UN system. Third, to target those most in need, we must prioritize the most vulnerable countries and communities, including least developed countries, small island developing states, and fragile contexts. This requires inclusive urban policies, meaningful private sector and civil society engagement, and integrated approaches across the SDGs. Madam Chair, in conclusion, this review is not about redefining ambition but accelerating delivery. The UK Pavilion will— this will use this important week to share lessons from both our successes and our failures and explore how we can partner to deliver prosperous urban futures. Sustainable urbanization depends on collaboration with national, local, and international partners. On behalf of the UK delegation, I invite you all to visit the UK Pavilion to share your ideas for making this a reality. Thank you.

Thank you, UK and Ireland. Venezuela. We have the Ambassador of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. Are you still with us?

Yes, we're here.

Yeah, please proceed.

Your Excellencies, authorities of UN-Habitat, Republic of Azerbaijan, dear participants, you receive a great meeting from the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. Thank you, Mr. President. For the Republic of Venezuela, the SDG is a guide to guarantee the buen vivir, the good living, and to build fairer and more inclusive societies for future generations. The pursuit must aim for a balance among the economic, social, and environmental pillars, focusing on poverty eradication, the right to development, food security, and a balance between energy security and climate action. This is why, as a social right, must be grounded in the ideals of buen vivir, the good living, self-determination, dignity, and sovereignty. As the New Urban Agenda reaches its 10th anniversary, we must ask whether our countries have succeeded in transforming cities toward a better urban future. In Venezuela, since 2022, the actions of the Gran Misión Vivienda Venezuela gave— have been aligned with this UN-Habitat framework, promoting a model of citizen participation and multi-level governance that grants a leading role to traditional knowledge and grassroots organizations. Venezuela has been acknowledged by UN-Habitat by the Gran Misión Vivienda Venezuela, and in April 2026 delivers over 2—

2.

10 million houses. The focus must not be each type of housing, but a dignified project, a project that grants access to community spaces, to parks, to sport facilities, to sustainable activities, and to resilience. Excellencies. In the last 20 years, the country has adopted public policies and good practices to promote the human dignity of historically vulnerable sectors and to eradicate political, economic, and cultural inequalities. However, the actions taken are undermined by unilateral and illegitimate coercive measures and sanctions that negatively affect the right to sustainable development and delay the implementation of government plans and Global South programs focused on habitat and housing. Today more than ever, Venezuela strives for international commitments to respect the historical and political particularities of each nation, rejecting financing conditionalities and the limited commitment of those countries that, by failing to meet their international obligations, have negatively affected the quality of life of the world's citizens. We advocate for fair solutions that correct the imbalances of the current international system in order to promote peace and international security, while highlighting our potential and determination to move forward with our doors open to the world under principles of dignity and national sovereignty. Housing is not merchandise, it's a right. That's all I have to say, Your Excellencies. Thank you very much.

I have Zambia, Nigeria— no, I have Zambia, Mauritania, Nigeria, Philippines, Malawi, and Mali. Those are 6 countries on the list. I really want to plead for maybe 2 minutes, we go down so that all of you can speak. I don't think we have the room after 1:30. Nigeria, may I have Zambia?

Zambia is not here.

Zambia is not here? Then can we go to Mauritania? Director, Nigeria, Philippines.

Nigeria is there.

Nigeria is there. Thank you. Okay, please take the mic.

Okay.

I'm sorry.

Good afternoon, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen. It is my honor to be here Ladies and gentlemen, at the 13th session of the World Urban Forum, I bring you warm greetings from the government and people of Nigeria, a nation of resilience, diversity, and immense potential. Across the globe, cities are expanding at an unprecedented pace. Urbanization is no longer a future concern, it is our present reality. By 2050, a significant majority of the world's population will live in urban Particularly in developing countries. This rapid growth presents both opportunities and challenges. If properly managed, urbanization can drive economic growth, innovation, and improved quality of life. However, if left unplanned, it can result in housing shortages, informal settlements, overstretched infrastructures, and increased exposure to environmental risks. Nigeria remains one of the fastest urbanizing countries in the world with a rapid growth— growing urban population. Our cities continue to attract people in search of better economic opportunities, education, and improved living conditions. However, this growth has also led to significant challenges, including a substantial crucial housing deficits, expansion of informal settlements, pressure on urban infrastructure and services, increased vulnerability to climate-related risks such as flooding. These realities underscore the urgent need for coordinated, inclusive, and forward-looking urban development strategies. In response to these challenges, the Government of Nigeria is implementing policies and programs aimed at transforming Nigeria's urban landscape. Our efforts are guided by 3 key strategic priorities, namely expanding access to affordable housing, strengthening urban planning and governance, and promoting sustainable and climate-resilient cities. I would like to use this opportunity to commend UN-Habitat and the Global Committee for organizing a forum such as this, which has brought together diverse stakeholders to share knowledge and best practices in the in the implementation of the New Urban Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals. Nigeria, according, acknowledged that in implementing the New Urban Agenda, Sustainable Goals, and other global development agendas, particular attention should be given to addressing the unique and emerging urban development challenges in the light of increasing urbanization. And in this regard demonstrated total commitment through the domestication of the New Urban Agenda as a collection tool to promote and realize the sustainable development in the country. We will continue to demonstrate our commitment to the actualization of the various global development agendas, especially the 2030 Agenda and the Africa Agenda 2063. And leverage the key role of cities and human settlements as drivers of economic growth and social cohesion in an on-increasing urbanized society such as ours. Nigeria has in the last decade shown our total commitment in promoting the implementation of robust national housing and urban development policies that support the progressive realization of the right to adequate housing for all as a component of the right to adequate standard of living that address all forms of discrimination and violence, prevent arbitrary forced eviction, and focus on new needs of the homeless, persons in vulnerable situations, low-income groups, and persons with disability. We will continue to encourage social inclusion by creating enabling environment for participation of communities and all stakeholders in planning and implementation of policies aimed at improving the general standard of livelihood in line with the global development agenda, especially the SDGs and the New Urban Agenda. Nigeria is mindful of the impact of climate change, especially in our towns and cities, and has through deliberate policies and programs taken bold steps toward the provision of clean and renewable energy that is eco-friendly and sustainable in line with the Paris Agreement and Sendai Framework on Disaster Risk Reduction. The Federal Government of Nigeria will continue to encourage governments at the subnational level and the organized private sector to replicate the various renewable and eco-friendly energy projects and programs in other cities and across towns across the country for the achievement of energy sufficiency. Nigeria will also welcome international partnership and collaboration in this regard, and we continue to encourage international direct investment in the infrastructure and human settlement sectors. Nigeria continues to collaborate with international organizations and development partners and the private sector to share knowledge and best practices mobilize resources for urban development, implement innovative and scalable solutions. Platforms such as the World Urban Forum provide invaluable opportunities for dialogue, learning, and partnership. Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, the future of humanity is urban. The choice we make today will shape the cities of tomorrow. Nigeria stands ready to play its part in building cities that are inclusive, resilient, and sustainable. Through innovation, collaboration, and strong commitment, we can transform our urban spaces into engines of opportunity and prosperity. I wish to conclude by thanking the people and government of Azerbaijan for being a wonderful host and the organizer of this event for the effort they put in to make this event a reality. We believe that sustainable urban development is key to national growth and global stability as we commit our support to the achievement of the various global urban agenda. Thank you for your attention.

Thank you very much, Nigeria. We go now to Philippines. Philippines, the Third Secretary and Vice Council Director.

Thank you, Chair. On behalf of the Republic of the Philippines, we extend our sincere appreciation to the Republic of Azerbaijan for its warm hospitality and to the Secretariat of UN-Habitat for its excellent preparations. The Philippines reaffirms its strong commitment to achieving the SDGs and advancing the New Urban Agenda, particularly in ensuring access to safe, decent, and affordable housing for all Filipinos. As one of the fastest-growing and rapidly urbanizing countries in Southeast Asia, the Philippines recognizes urbanization as both an opportunity and a challenge. While our cities drive growth and innovation, they also face persistent pressures related to housing, infrastructure, land use, environmental sustainability, and increasing climate risk. To address these challenges, the Philippines is pursuing a more coherent and integrated approach to human settlement development. As reflected in our recently submitted Philippine Nuwa report, we are implementing the New Urban Agenda through coordinated action across land use, housing, mobility, environment, and governance. We affirm that sustainable urban development begins at the local level. Our focus is on enabling local governments through policy guidance, tools, partnerships, and sustained support to translate plans into concrete concrete outcomes. This includes strengthening their capacity to integrate disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation into land use and development planning while promoting participatory governance, fiscal resilience, and data-driven urban management. At the national level, these efforts are reinforced by flagship programs that address critical urban needs. Among these is the expanded Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino, the flagship housing program under the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., which seeks to accelerate the delivery of safe, decent, and affordable housing for Filipino families. As of February 2026, more than 423,000 housing units have been built or financed under the program. We also recognize the transformative urban action requires innovative and scalable financing. The Philippine government is strengthening public-private partnerships, mobilizing climate finance, and enhancing local fiscal capacities to support sustainable and resilient urban development. The challenges we face remain significant, but so does our resolve to address them. The Philippines stands ready to continue working with the international community by sharing experiences, from partners and strengthening cooperation. Thank you.

Thank you very much. Thank you. I will now ask Malawi, Director of Urban Development of Malawi, please take the mic.

Madam Chair, honorable ministers, distinguished delegates, let me commend the UN-Habitat on behalf of the Malawi delegation Organization for convening the 13th session of the World Urban Forum, and the government of Azerbaijan for hosting the forum. As we mark 10 years of the implementation of the New Urban Agenda, the question before us is, are we on track? From Marawi's perspective, progress has been made, but it is too slow to transform our cities. With 19.8% of the population living in urban areas, urbanization continues to outpace spatial planning, infrastructure provision, affordable housing, and municipal financing. Without sustainable urban financing, cities cannot deliver inclusive public services. As a result, about 70% of Malawi's urban population still lives in informal settlements. However, Malawi has made urbanization a national development priority in Malawi 2063. The strategy recognizes urbanization as a catalyst for economic transformation, industrialization, and inclusive development. To manage rapid urbanization, Malawi has commenced initiatives to develop 8 secondary cities. This strategy reduces pressure on major cities, promotes balanced regional development, and creates centers of economic opportunity. While the policy direction is clear, impact is limited by financing constraints and delayed investments in critical urban infrastructure. Madam Chair, In October 2025, Malawi convened the 4th session of the Malawi Urban Forum under the theme Strengthening Local Actions for Sustainable and Resilient Cities and Human Settlements, Accelerating the Implementation of MIP-1, which is the first 10-year implementation plan for Malawi 2063 and SDG 11. Stakeholders and partners stressed that implementing the New Urban Agenda requires stronger localization of the SDGs, especially SDG 11, and greater coordination between national government, local authorities, and development partners. The New Urban Agenda remains a critical guiding framework, and Malawi is honored to serve as co-facilitator of the political declaration of the review process for its implementation. Madam Chair, to accelerate action towards 2036, Malawi proposes the following priorities: strengthen national urban and housing policies to align them with climate action, housing strategies, and local economic development; invest in resilient, inclusive urban planning that anticipates growth rather than responding to crisis. Sustained political commitment to ensure informal settlement transformation remains central to urban development. Empower local governments through functional and fiscal decentralization. Strengthen coordination among national governments, local authorities, civil society, the private sector, communities, and development partners. Increase investment in affordable housing, slum upgrading, and urban infrastructure through innovative financing and public-private partnerships. Strengthening international cooperation so that developing countries receive technical support, technology transfer, and access to climate and urban financing. Let me conclude by reiterating that Malawi remains committed to working with the UN Habitat and all partners partners to ensure that our cities and human settlements become inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. I thank you.

Thank you very much. Mali. Mali, I have a technical counselor appearing for Mali. Thank you.

Excellencies, distinguished ministers, ladies and gentlemen, on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Mali, I wish to express our sincere appreciation to the Government of Azerbaijan, UN-Habitat, and all partners for the excellent organization of this important forum. For Mali, the New Urban Agenda remains highly relevant as we work to manage rapid urbanization while building more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable cities. Like many African countries, Mali faces major urban challenges driven by demographic growth, climate pressures, and increasing demand for housing and infrastructure. Today, our cities must respond simultaneously to the needs for affordable housing, mobility, sanitation, environmental protection, and economic opportunity. Yet urbanization also represents a tremendous opportunity. In Mali, we believe that well-planned urban development can become a powerful driver of economic growth, social cohesion, resilience, and hope for future generations. In this regard, Mali has undertaken important reforms in urban planning, land governance, and housing developments. We are promoting integrated urban approaches that prioritize resilience, environmental sustainability, and inclusive access to services and infrastructure. One important example is the ongoing Sustainable Urban Renewal Initiative along the banks of the Niger River in Bamako. This strategic project aims to transform vulnerable and underdeveloped urban spaces through integrated investments in housing, flood protection, mobility infrastructure, public spaces, and economic development. Mali is also exploring innovative and adapted housing solutions through public-private partnerships, affordable housing initiatives, and modern construction technologies designed to accelerate delivery while improving sustainability and resilience. However, implementation challenges remain Financing sustainable urban development continues to be a major constraint for many developing countries. At the same time, climate change is increasing urban vulnerabilities through erosion, extreme heat, and growing pressure on infrastructure systems. First, in this context, Mali would like to emphasize 3 priorities. First, stronger international cooperation and increased access to innovative financing mechanisms. Mechanisms, including blended finance and climate adaptation financing, both who are essential to support transformative urban projects in developing countries. Second, there's a need to strengthen institutional and technical capacities in urban planning, land management, and resilient infrastructure development. Third, urban development strategies must remain people-centered by promoting affordable housing housing, social inclusion, environmental sustainability, and resilient communities that leave no one behind. Excellencies, the implementation of the New Urban Agenda requires stronger partnerships between governments, development partners, the private sector, and local communities. Mali remains fully committed to working alongside UN-Habitat and all international partners to build cities that are safer, more resilient, more inclusive, and more prosperous for all. Together, let us ensure that urbanization becomes a driver of dignity, resilience, and sustainable development for future generations. I thank you for your attention.

Thank you. Thank you very much for Mali there. I will now call Timor-Leste. Specialized Technical Advisor. And I'm closing the list now. Thank you. That is— I'm closing with you. Please take the mic.

Thank you very much. Excellencies, distinguished representatives of UN-Habitat, honorable ministers, mayors, delegates, Development partners, members of civil society, academic institutions, private sector representatives, youth and community leaders, ladies and gentlemen. Yes, here from the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, I would like to express our sincere appreciation to UN-Habitat for inviting Timor-Leste to participate in the 13th session of the World Urban Forum. Here in Baku, Azerbaijan. We also extend our heartfelt thanks to the government and people of Azerbaijan for the warm hospitality and excellent welcome extended to all delegations upon our arrival in this beautiful country. The reception and organization demonstrate Azerbaijan's strong commitment to international cooperation and urban dialogue. It is a great honor for Timor-Leste to participate in this important global forum under the theme Housing the World: Safe and Resilient Cities and Communities. This theme is highly relevant to Timor-Leste as we continue our journey of nation-building, urban development, and community resilience. Timor-Leste is the newest nation in Southeast Asia. Having restored its independence in May 2002 after a long struggle for self-determination and peace. Since restoring our independence, our nation has remained committed to sustainable development, social inclusion, and also improving the quality of life for all citizens. As a young developing country, Timor-Leste faces significant urban challenges, including rapid urbanization, housing shortages, limited infrastructure, environmental vulnerability, and the impact of climate change. The growth of urban population, especially in the capital of Dili and the other municipality centers, require integrated urban planning, resilient infrastructure, and affordable housing solutions. That leave no one behind. The government of Timor-Leste recognized that housing is not only a basic human need, but it's also a fundamental human right and an essential pillar for sustainable urban development. Therefore, our participation in WF13 reflects our commitment to learning from international experience strengthening partnership and sharing our national perspective on inclusive urban development. We believe that forums such as WF13, it gives us— provides an important platform for dialogue, innovation, and also collaboration among governments, development partners, civil society, and communities. Through this collective effort, we can build cities that are safe, resilient, inclusive, and sustainable for future generations. In closing, allow me once again to thank UN-Habitat for this valuable opportunity and the government of Azerbaijan for hosting this important global event. Together, let us build cities and communities that provide dignity, opportunity, safety, and hope for all. Thank you very much.

Thank you very much. Let us have a clap for all of us, please. Let's put our hands together. Thank you. Thank you very much for your support to the chair and for your contributions. I'm very sure all your great contributions, ideas, proposals have been captured ably within the system, and we expect that our report will be able to look through the proposals that you have given. Indeed, Housing the World, by providing safe cities and communities and ensuring that we create safe and resilient cities and communities, is not just about building. It's affordable housing, or providing housing is not about construction. We have heard that. It's about ensuring that we rebuild lives, we provide livelihoods and safe places within our cities for the populations, and that includes ensuring the participation of the communities that we seek to provide houses to. It is coming out that we need international coordination, cooperation in our work. We need to share knowledge as much as possible. We need these experiences and a platform like this. We really thank Azerbaijan together with UN-Habitat for providing us this particular platform platform for sharing what we are doing in our countries. I think it is obvious that many of the things we are doing could very well look like the same, and it means the sharing aspect has already started. We need to think about governance. The land tenure question is coming out very strongly, land governance transformation and regularization of areas where our people and our communities leave. I'm hearing from the proposals that we also need to ensure that there is multi-level cooperation at the local level, multi-level cooperation at the local level, because we have county governments in some countries or we have local authorities and these are key institutions so that we are also looking at how we can reform and transform some of the institutions, including looking at the legal and regulatory frameworks that support the housing agenda. Therefore, we are well placed to be here, and I want to thank you for your deep contributions towards the platform today. I want to thank my co-chairs, and maybe I should Yes, yes, I would like to thank my co-chairs for this particular session and also in the morning session. Thank you very much. Thank you. Thank you.

Thank you very much, Chair. Thanks to all the participants. We have one housekeeping matter related to this session. As the Chair has said, we're going to, of course, prepare a report, and to do so accurately, we would like to invite all of you who haven't done so to send your statements in writing to UN-Habitat so that we can include that reference in the chair's summary. I think you all know the email address of the Secretariat of the Governing Bodies of Habitat, and with that, I wish you a fine lunch and a good continuation of the World Urban Thank you.

Enjoy the rest of the forum.

Thank you very much. God bless. A better clap for the chair. Thank you. Thank you very much. Thank you very much. You are wonderful people.