The thirteenth session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) takes place in Baku, Azerbaijan, from 17 to 22 May 2026. The theme of WUF13 is: Housing the world: Safe and resilient cities and communities.
How can island cities lead the way in resilient and sustainable urban futures? Small Island Developing States (SIDS) across the world are at the frontline of converging environmental, economic, and social pressures intensified by rapid and often unplanned urbanization. Rising sea levels, coastal degradation, and increasingly frequent climate related disasters continue to threaten fragile settlements, while adequate housing shortages and overstretched basic services deepen inequalities and heighten exposure to risks. Despite regional differences, SIDS share an urgent need for resilient, inclusive, and localized urban development supported by strong multi stakeholder partnerships and community engagement. As competition for suitable land increases, and the limited budgetary space is continuously affected by recurring disaster-recovery cycles, integrated approaches to Housing, land, infrastructure and basic services can simultaneously strengthen the climate adaptation capacity for all and foster sustainable blue economy development, tourism and people's livelihood. The session will consider innovative policies and practices in resilient housing, inclusive urban planning and investment strategies, community centered governance, and informal settlement transformation, emphasizing actionable, locally led and culturally grounded solutions. Guiding questions How can SIDS navigate key policy trade‑offs—such as balancing tourism growth, coastal protection, land availability, and access to adequate housing—while strengthening climate adaptation and managing migration pressures? How can traditional Land and governance systems and culturally grounded approaches be incorporated into formal resilience strategies to improve tenure security, housing and basic services, inclusive economy and livelihood? What innovative financing mechanisms can enable SIDS to scale climate‑resilient housing, basic services and urban infrastructure? How can multi‑stakeholder partnerships accelerate delivery of climate‑resilient and affordable housing in SIDS, particularly in risk‑prone peri‑urban areas and informal settlements? How can this session's outcomes be translated into commitments and actions at COP31? Expected outcomes The session is expected to generate clear insights on how SIDS can scale climate‑resilient housing and inclusive urban development through integrated policies, innovative financing, and land‑based solutions. Priority policy accelerators and practical actions to strengthen tenure security, basic services, and resilient urban planning while supporting the blue economy and sustainable tourism will be identified. The discussion will contribute strategic recommendations to the WUF13 outcomes document and inform follow‑up commitments toward COP31, regional cooperation, and multi‑stakeholder partnerships. Objectives This session aims to examine key policy trade-offs faced by SIDS and showcase integrated approaches to strengthening urban resilience, climate‑resilient housing, and inclusive urban development. It will highlight best practices across regions, emphasize regional cooperation and multi‑stakeholder partnerships, and identify priority accelerators for action over the next decade. Through interactive dialogue, the session seeks to connect local realities with global platforms, advance strategic inputs to WUF13 deliberations, and support pathways linking climate adaptation, housing, and blue‑economy in SIDS.
