UN World Urban Forum 2026 Tackling Housing Crisis Amid Climate Shocks and Conflicts in Baku

The 13th UN World Urban Forum (WUF13) opens on Sunday, May 17, 2026, in Baku, Azerbaijan, as participants gather to address a deepening global housing crisis.

The commencement of the forum comes at a time when millions of people are left without adequate shelter. This shortage is being driven by a combination of soaring housing costs, climate shocks, and the impacts of conflicts.

Drivers of the Global Housing Crisis

According to reporting from globalissues.org, the crisis is being fueled by three primary intersecting factors: escalating housing costs, environmental disruptions caused by climate shocks, and the instability resulting from conflicts. These elements have converged to leave millions of individuals without sufficient or stable living conditions.

The intensification of these pressures has created a significant challenge for urban stability and the provision of essential shelter on a global scale.

Objectives of the Forum

As the forum begins in Baku, participants will focus on grappling with potential solutions to the deepening crisis. The discussions are expected to center on how to mitigate the effects of rising costs and climate-related shocks, as well as the displacement and housing instability caused by ongoing conflicts.