The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) will host an online regional media briefing for journalists and correspondents from the Asia-Pacific region to provide updates on preparations for the thirteenth session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13).
The virtual briefing will take place on 19 February 2026 from 15:00 to 16:00 (Bangkok time) via Zoom.
WUF13 will be held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from 17 to 22 May 2026 under the theme “Housing the world: Safe and resilient cities and communities.” The forum is one of the world’s leading international conferences on sustainable urbanization, convening governments, policymakers, experts and stakeholders to address pressing urban challenges.
According to UN-Habitat, the media briefing will provide an overview of the Forum’s programme, underscore its relevance to urban development priorities in the Asia-Pacific region, and outline opportunities for media engagement and coverage. Participants will also receive updates on preparations by Azerbaijan as the host country.
Expected speakers at the briefing include Anacláudia Rossbach, Executive Director of UN-Habitat (TBC); a representative from the Government of Azerbaijan (TBC); Kazuko Ishigaki, Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific at UN-Habitat; and Srinivasa Popuri, Chief of the UN-Habitat Bangkok Multi-Country Programme Office. The session will be moderated by the UN-Habitat Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific.
Journalists interested in attending the online webinar are required to register in advance through the official Zoom link provided by the organizers.
The World Urban Forum serves as a key platform to discuss sustainable urban development and the implementation of the New Urban Agenda, particularly as cities across the Asia-Pacific region continue to face rapid urbanization, housing shortages and climate-related vulnerabilities.
