World Urban Forum Backs ‘Baku Call to Action’ on Global Housing Crisis
World Urban Forum backs Baku Call – The 13th iteration of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) concluded in Baku on Friday, marking a historic milestone as the largest gathering in the event’s 20-year history. Over 57,000 attendees from 176 nations, including more than 3,000 participants joining remotely, came together to address the pressing issue of housing access. The forum’s final session culminated in the adoption of the ‘Baku Call to Action,’ a unified initiative aimed at reshaping urban development to combat the escalating global housing crisis. This document outlines a comprehensive approach to ensuring that cities serve as inclusive, resilient spaces where all residents can secure safe and affordable shelter.
Key Components of the Baku Call to Action
The Baku Call to Action, developed through collaborative dialogue across 176 countries, presents a series of actionable strategies to tackle the multifaceted challenges of housing insecurity. Central to its vision is the idea of reimagining housing as a systemic component, not a standalone project. By intertwining residential development with land management, infrastructure planning, transportation networks, and access to essential services, the initiative emphasizes a holistic model that addresses both immediate needs and long-term sustainability.
Another pivotal aspect of the Call to Action is its focus on confronting the overlapping pressures that exacerbate housing instability. These include soaring real estate costs, speculative land practices, forced displacement, inadequate governance, and the growing threat of climate-related disasters. The document advocates for integrated, community-focused solutions that combine policy reforms with localized efforts to create equitable housing environments. This approach aims to mitigate the ripple effects of these challenges, ensuring that housing strategies are aligned with the broader goals of social and environmental justice.
Climate justice is also a cornerstone of the initiative, with a clear acknowledgment of the inseparable link between housing and environmental resilience. Vulnerable populations, particularly those in low-income and marginalized communities, face disproportionate risks from flooding, extreme heat, and other climate-induced hazards. The Baku Call to Action calls for expanding climate-resilient housing options, such as leveraging nature-based solutions, retrofitting existing structures, and enhancing disaster preparedness. These measures are intended to safeguard residents from the escalating impacts of climate change while fostering sustainable urban ecosystems.
The final emphasis of the roadmap lies in transforming declarative goals into concrete actions. This requires stronger governance frameworks that facilitate collaboration between national, regional, and local authorities. Expanded funding mechanisms, improved data collection, and increased support for community-led initiatives are highlighted as critical tools to bridge the gap between policy and practice. By prioritizing locally driven solutions, the initiative seeks to empower cities to respond effectively to their unique housing challenges.
Participants and Impact of the Forum
Baku, the host city, welcomed a diverse array of global leaders, including 11 heads of state, 88 ministers, and 130 mayors. Over the course of the week-long event, more than 579 activities were conducted, showcasing the breadth of discussions and collaborations. The Forum’s largest-ever Urban Expo attracted over 74,000 visitors, underscoring the heightened interest in urban development solutions. With 865 journalists documenting the proceedings, the forum’s significance as a platform for global dialogue was amplified.
UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, in her address during the closing ceremony, underscored the necessity of sustainable urbanization for achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. She asserted,
“There is no pathway to achieving the 2030 Agenda without sustainable urbanization and adequate housing.”
The urgency of the housing crisis, she noted, is intertwined with global challenges such as poverty, inequality, climate change, and geopolitical instability. Her remarks emphasized the role of cities as the foundation of societal priorities, shaping the quality of life for millions.
Mohammed also highlighted the current climate of global cooperation, warning that the UN Charter’s core principles are facing increasing strain.
“The values and principles of the UN Charter are being undermined. Tensions are sharper and trust is disappearing. Division is gaining pace.”
Despite these challenges, she remained optimistic, arguing that local authorities are essential in driving progress.
“Local governments are the ones answering the phone when the storm hits. They are the ones delivering water, transport, housing, and decent work.”
This statement underscores the critical role of municipal leadership in translating high-level commitments into tangible outcomes.
Global Commitments and Local Realities
UN-Habitat Executive Director Anacláudia Rossbach echoed the sentiments of her colleagues, stating that the forum delivered a “powerful and unified message” about the need for immediate action.
“We are at a decisive moment for the future of housing. We can no longer afford the luxury of inaction.”
Rossbach pointed out that housing systems are under immense pressure from factors like economic disparity, real estate speculation, weak governance, rapid urbanization, and climate change. She warned that current housing markets are failing to meet the needs of billions, pushing them into unsafe and unaffordable living conditions.
She further stressed that housing must be viewed as more than just a market product.
“Housing is not a commodity alone. Housing is a human right.”
This perspective shifts the narrative from profit-driven development to a rights-based approach, ensuring that housing policies prioritize accessibility and equity. The Baku Call to Action, Rossbach noted, aims to catalyze this transformation by aligning urban planning with the principles of dignity, security, and opportunity for all.
Francine Pickup, head of the UN Development Programme (UNDP) delegation to WUF13, highlighted the importance of financial accessibility in addressing housing disparities.
“I think financing is a central challenge, especially for smaller and secondary cities that lack the resources to invest in large-scale housing projects.”
Her comments reflect the consensus that political pledges must be matched by practical, on-the-ground strategies. This includes not only funding mechanisms but also innovative approaches to urban development that adapt to the unique contexts of different regions.
As the forum concluded, its participants left with a renewed sense of purpose. The discussions and commitments made during WUF13 signal a critical shift in how the global community views housing as a foundational element of sustainable development. With cities at the heart of this transformation, the Baku Call to Action serves as a blueprint for building a future where housing is not just a privilege but a universal right. The next phase will require sustained collaboration, innovative financing, and a steadfast commitment to equity in urban spaces. This collective effort is essential to ensuring that the world’s growing urban populations are housed with dignity and security in the years ahead.
