UN-Habitat Arena - Nature-Based Solutions for Resilient Arab Cities: From Local Action to Urban Transformation (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.


Reimagining urban systems through nature, integrating Nature-based solutions to enhance services, resilience, and quality of life.

This session will bring together UN-Habitat, Islamic Development Bank, practitioners and subject matter experts to share strategic insights and best practices on integrating nature-based solutions (NbS) into urban basic services and infrastructure in the Arab region. In a context of increasing climate pressures, resource scarcity, and recovery needs, it will explore how NbS can support "building back better" by strengthening resilience, enhancing service delivery, and improving livability, including through their integration into housing solutions.

The session will create space for high-level dialogue on enabling policies, governance, and financing mechanisms to mainstream NbS, through a moderated discussion and audience exchange. It will also showcase UN-Habitat's tools and approaches for integrating NbS into urban planning, infrastructure, and housing.

The session will also mark the launch of a joint UN-Habitat-Islamic Development Bank publication on NbS in the Arab region, positioning it as a key resource for advancing resilient and sustainable urban development.

Partner: Islamic Development Bank.

Panelists:
Yasmine Mostafa (moderator).
Rania Hedeya, Regional Director, UN-Habitat ROAS.
Papa Sy, Global Lead Urban Development, Islamic Development Bank (IsDB).
Zeina El Zein, Capital University.
Soraya Khalil, Ministry of National Territorial Planning, Urbanism, Housing and City Policy Morocco (TBC).
IUCN representative (TBC).
Location: Baku, Azerbaijan

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