How can pressing urbanization challenges be addressed?

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) of the United Nations (UN) is continuing in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan. The forum has become a global call to place on the international political agenda the challenges faced by billions of people lacking adequate living conditions.

What is the purpose of the forum?

The forum is being held under the slogan “Housing the world: safe and sustainable cities and communities” and brings together more than 40,000 participants from 182 countries. The basis for discussions is the New Urban Agenda adopted in Quito in 2016, which defines global principles of urban development until 2036. Alongside ministerial meetings, thematic sessions are held with the participation of civil society representatives, the private sector, and international organizations.

These sessions cover a wide range of issues — from the challenges faced by women and youth to the role of civil society and private companies in shaping the future of cities.

A large-scale platform

One of the most notable venues of the forum is the “Urban Expo Zone,” covering 3.5 hectares, the largest exhibition in WUF history. It brings together experts from 217 organizations worldwide, as well as 66 countries that have presented national pavilions showcasing innovative urban solutions, housing projects, and sustainable development initiatives.

Key challenges: 1.1 billion people live in informal settlements

As noted at the forum, around 160 countries have adopted or are developing national urban policies, and more than two-thirds of them have implemented affordable housing programs. However, according to UN-Habitat, these measures remain insufficient. More than 1.1 billion people continue to live in slums or informal settlements. Over the past decade, this figure has increased by an additional 120 million people.

By 2050, cities are expected to account for two-thirds of global population growth. By 2035, most of the world’s poor are expected to live in urban areas. Currently, around 3 billion people lack adequate housing.

The housing issue is directly linked to 15 of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals and is central to Goal 11, which aims to ensure adequate housing and basic services.

Uzbekistan’s active initiative on the global stage

President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, in his address at the summit of the 13th World Urban Forum session, put forward several important initiatives. In particular, the head of state called on partner countries to widely implement the principle of “balanced urbanization” to ensure equal living conditions across all regions. He also proposed the creation of an “Alliance of Smart and Safe Cities” to ensure systematic exchange of standards and experience.

In addition, Uzbekistan expressed readiness to host an international forum in Samarkand in 2027 dedicated to new approaches to attracting finance and investment into housing construction. It was also proposed to hold the 15th session of the World Urban Forum in New Tashkent in 2030, with the theme “The role of the mahalla institution in sustainable urban development.”

In the context of global climate change, Shavkat Mirziyoyev also proposed establishing an international UN-Habitat award, “Green City,” to promote environmentally harmonious urban development.

Baku Call to Action

The forum will officially conclude on 22 May with the adoption of the “Baku Call to Action.” The document will summarize key outcomes aimed at accelerating global progress in ensuring adequate housing and sustainable urban development. This underscores that the forum is not only a platform for dialogue but also a venue for shaping concrete political commitments.

Sukhrob Makhmudov,
Project Head, Institute for Macroeconomic and Regional Studies (IMRS)