Day 4 of WUF13 explored the growing connections between housing, climate resilience and inclusive urban development. Across many sessions, participants discussed how cities can respond to climate risks, transform informal settlements and advance housing solutions that leave no one behind.
From climate-resilient housing and innovative financing to cultural heritage and urban regeneration, discussions throughout the Forum highlighted the urgent need to connect housing, climate action and implementation on the ground.
“Improving housing systems can transform cities by reducing emissions through better design, materials and energy systems, while also strengthening resilience by improving where and how people live, particularly in informal settlements and high-risk areas”, highlighted Anacláudia Rossbach, Executive Director of UN-Habitat.
The Dialogue Transforming Informal Settlements and Slums for Housing the World exploredhow cities can improve living conditions while recognizing informal settlements as places of resilience, social networks and community action. Discussions emphasized that lasting transformation requires secure tenure, community participation and integrated approaches connecting housing, infrastructure, services and economic opportunity.
“Moving away from ‘eliminating’ or even ‘upgrading’ to ‘transforming’ informal settlements is an important new way of thinking”, stressed David Dodman, General Director of the Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies at Erasmus University.
Highlights from across the Forum
Financing housing beyond the market: During the International Financial Institutions Roundtable, speakers emphasized that housing cannot rely solely on market dynamics and called for stronger public leadership to connect investment, affordability and long-term sustainability. Examples from Kenya, Brazil, Pakistan and France showcased innovative financing and housing approaches adapted to different local realities.Rethinking cultural heritage and urban regeneration: Discussions throughout the Special Session on heritage highlighted the importance of understanding historical and local contexts when designing future cities. Participants emphasized that urban regeneration and housing solutions must be rooted in culture, identity and the realities of local communities.Innovation in social housing rental: The session explored how technology-enabled social rental housing policies can help cities address housing shortages, urban sprawl and climate-related displacement. Participants also examined new digital tools and policy models designed to support the implementation of social housing rental systems in cities.From science to action: Participants explored how scientific knowledge can better support practical urban climate action ahead of the upcoming IPCC Special Report on Climate Change and Cities. Discussions focused on governance, finance and policy alignment needed to translate climate science into local implementation.
Around the Forum
The Urban Expo hosted the launch of the Baku Urban Award, a new global initiative led by UN-Habitat and the Government of Azerbaijan to identify, recognize and scale impactful housing solutions worldwide. The initiative aims to foster knowledge exchange, practice sharing and capacity development around housing and sustainable urban development.
Climate discussions also continued through the Special Session Stories from the Frontlines: Advancing the Urban Climate Legacy, which brought together perspectives from Amazonian and other climate-vulnerable cities. At Cities as Playing Fields, the stage turned into a tatami to demonstrate how sport goes far beyond leisure or physical activity. The session highlighted sport as an essential urban service that supports adequate housing and healthier cities, while ensuring accessible opportunities for movement, recreation and play.
Explore the World Cities Report 2026
UN-Habitat’s newly launched World Cities Report 2026: Global Housing Crisis – Pathways to Action is now available online. The report addresses the global housing crisis through five interconnected dimensions – affordability, displacement, informality, resilience and liveability – while presenting new data, practical experiences and action-oriented approaches to adequate housing from around the world. 👉 Explore the assets and help spread the word!
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