Special Session - Inclusive Urban Resilience, Blue Economy and Sustainable Tourism in SIDS (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 island cities lead the way in resilient and sustainable urban futures? Small Island Developing States (SIDS) across the world are at the frontline of converging environmental, economic, and social pressures intensified by rapid and often unplanned urbanization. Rising sea levels, coastal degradation, and increasingly frequent climate related disasters continue to threaten fragile settlements, while adequate housing shortages and overstretched basic services deepen inequalities and heighten exposure to risks. Despite regional differences, SIDS share an urgent need for resilient, inclusive, and localized urban development supported by strong multi stakeholder partnerships and community engagement. As competition for suitable land increases, and the limited budgetary space ...