UN-Habitat Arena - Healthy and Caring Cities in Action (WUF13).

  The thirteenth session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) takes place in Baku, Azerbaijan, from 17 to 22 May 2026. The theme of WUF13 is: Housing the world: Safe and resilient cities and communities.



How can cities deliver integrated housing, basic services, and care infrastructure to advance urban health, well-being, and equity?

Urban health is increasingly recognized as a defining challenge for cities today. The conditions in which people live — including their home, land, access to basic services, and public space — directly shape physical and mental well-being, resilience, and quality of life.

In the context of rapid urbanization, climate risks, and growing inequalities, fragmented approaches are no longer sufficient. Integrated, place-based solutions are required that connect housing, basic services, and social infrastructure with planning, finance, and governance.

Several cities have begun operationalizing care as social infrastructure — focusing on proximity, urban access, time poverty, and spatial justice to close gender gaps. Bogotá's Manzanas del Cuidado (Care Blocks) pioneered co-locating services for unpaid caregivers within a short walk, providing health services, respite, education, and job pathways. Cities such as Montevideo, Freetown, Guayaquil, and Barcelona are adapting this model.

This session showcases how UN-Habitat translates urban health principles into practical action — supporting cities to deliver adequate housing and basic services as a foundation for well-being, while promoting caring cities and proximity of care. Drawing on data-driven approaches including the urban health scan implemented in Mongolia, Jordan, and Sierra Leone, the session highlights evidence-based planning and investment.

Partners:
Healthy Cities Network;
Local Governments;
Academia and research institutions; ISUH;

Speakers:

Speaker 1: Celia or Sebastian (Healthy Cities) - Urban health scan and results
Speaker 2: City representative (from UBS network) - TBC
Speaker 3: City representative (from NY network) - TBC
Speaker 4: Graham Alabaster
Speaker 5: Giselle Sebag (ISUH) or Gary (Bloomberg) - Partnership and scaling

Related Sites and Documents: World Urban Forum Website & Programme.

Location: Baku, Azerbaijan

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