From Cairo to Baku: UN-Habitat Egypt and ROAS Convened First Regional Virtual Press Briefing Ahead of WUF13

Journalists and correspondents joined from Egypt, Tunisia, Sudan, Iraq, and other Arab States to receive updates on WUF13 preparations and the Forum’s relevance to regional urban priorities.

Senior representatives of the Governments of Egypt and Azerbaijan participated in the briefing.

Ambassador Hosam AlKaweesh, Assistant Minister of Local Development for International Cooperation, highlighted how WUF12 reinforced the role of local governments in advancing sustainable urban development and strengthening international cooperation. He noted that Egypt is preparing to actively contribute to WUF13 through dedicated events and knowledge exchange, sharing national experiences and building partnerships with other countries.

Ambassador Elkhan Polukhov outlined Azerbaijan’s preparations for WUF13 and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to delivering an inclusive, action-oriented Forum.

Ahmed Rezk, UN-Habitat Egypt Country Representative, emphasized the continuity between the two Forums. “WUF12 convened over 25,000 participants from 182 countries. This year, we are expanding that experience through Egypt’s Urban Week, broadening engagement at the national level and connecting diverse activities that contribute to the lead-up to WUF13,” he said.

Rania Hedeya, UN-Habitat Regional Director for Arab States, highlighted the broader significance of housing and urban development in the region, stating:

“Urban development is no longer a sectoral issue. It is central to stability, inclusion, resilience, and human dignity. At the heart of this is adequate housing – not only as shelter, but as a foundation for health, education, livelihoods, and social cohesion.”

 

Through a recorded video message, UN-Habitat Executive Director Anacláudia Rossbach underscored the importance of WUF13 at a key moment for the urban agenda, noting:

“WUF13 will place housing at the centre of global discussions – not only as a basic human right, but as a foundation for inclusion and climate and crisis-responsive development.”

The briefing also outlined how WUF13 will mark the midpoint of the implementation of the New Urban Agenda and will bring together ministers, governors, mayors, policymakers, civil society, the private sector and UN agencies from around the world. Featuring more than 300 events, the Forum will conclude with the Baku Call to Action aimed at accelerating global progress on adequate housing and sustainable urban development.

As preparations advance toward WUF13 in Baku in May 2026, UN-Habitat continues to build on the legacy of WUF12 by supporting dialogue, partnership-building and knowledge exchange in the lead-up to the Forum.

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About the World Urban Forum

Established in 2001 by the United Nations, the World Urban Forum (WUF) is the premier global conference on sustainable urbanization. It serves as a platform to examine the impacts of rapid urbanization on cities, communities, economies and climate, and to advance implementation of the New Urban Agenda through dialogue, partnership and action.

About UN-Habitat Egypt
UN-Habitat is the United Nations entity responsible for sustainable urbanization. It promotes transformative change in cities through knowledge, policy advice, technical assistance, and collaborative action. 

To learn more, follow us on our LinkedIn page @UNHABITAT EGYPT.