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.
Can we scale climate-resilient housing without deepening inequality or displacement? Housing has been called "the frontline in the fight against climate change." From floods and heatwaves to rising energy costs and displacement, housing determines whether climate action protects people or leaves them exposed. Yet despite buildings accounting for a significant share of global emissions, and climate impacts falling hardest on those with the least secure homes, housing remains one of the most underleveraged areas of climate policy. This Dialogue will confront that gap directly. Bringing together national and local leaders, practitioners, financiers, researchers and community representatives, the session will explore how housing can shift from a source of climate risk to a driver of mitigation, adaptation and social resilience. Discussions will examine how housing, climate and urban development agendas can be better aligned in practice, highlighting examples from cities and countries already advancing climate-resilient and low-carbon housing solutions. Guiding questions 1. How can housing move from being a source of climate risk to a driver of mitigation and resilience? 2. What policy reforms are needed to better integrate housing within climate and urban development agendas? 3. How can finance and investment be mobilized to scale climate-resilient, low-carbon and inclusive housing solutions? Expected outcomes The Dialogue will elevate housing as a frontline climate issue and identify practical pathways to scale climate-resilient, low-carbon and inclusive housing. The session will highlight examples of integrated housing and climate action and strengthen understanding of how cities and countries can align housing policy, climate strategies and investment frameworks to deliver more resilient and equitable urban development. Objectives Position housing as a frontline climate solution and climate action as a key entry point to address the housing crisis Identify what works, what needs scaling, and what must change in the climate - housing nexus Accelerate climate-resilient, low-carbon, and inclusive housing
