23/05/2026
Philippines participates in global discussions on housing and resilient cities at WUF13
NAIROBI, 23 May 2026 – The Philippines joined governments, local authorities, international organizations, civil society, youth leaders, and other urban stakeholders in Baku, Azerbaijan, for the 13th Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13), held from 18 to 22 May 2026 under the theme “Housing the World: Safe and Resilient Cities and Communities,” to advance efforts on sustainable urbanization and the implementation of the New Urban Agenda.
Prior to the official opening of WUF13, the Philippines took part in the Ministerial Meeting on 17 May 2026, where Third Secretary and Vice Consul Danna Paula S. Olaya of the Philippine Embassy in Nairobi delivered the national statement. The Philippines reaffirmed its commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and advancing the New Urban Agenda, while highlighting national efforts to strengthen integrated urban planning, climate resilience, local governance, and access to safe, decent, and affordable housing through the Expanded Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino (Expanded 4PH) Program.
During the Forum, the Philippine delegation also engaged in discussions on housing sustainability, urban resilience, local governance, and inclusive urban development. These included the Intergovernmental Open-ended Expert Working Group on Adequate Housing for All: Intersessional Meeting on Housing Sustainability and Resilience, which examined approaches to resilient and sustainable housing, and the Local and Regional Governments Roundtable, which highlighted the role of local governments in advancing sustainable urban development and implementing the New Urban Agenda.
The delegation also joined the Opening Ceremony of WUF13 and interacted with exhibits and initiatives at the Urban Expo, which showcased urban development initiatives, innovations, and partnerships from around the world.
The Philippines was also represented in the Children and Youth Roundtable on 21 May 2026 by Mr. John Andrie D. Penados, Sangguniang Kabataan Chairperson of Barangay Lipata, Surigao City. In his intervention, Mr. Penados underscored the importance of youth participation, inclusive governance, and community-driven development in building livable urban futures. He shared the experience of the “Huy-anan nan Bajau sa Surigao” Project, highlighting participatory governance, community partnerships, and youth engagement in sustainable urban development.
Representatives of UN-Habitat Philippines likewise took part in WUF13 discussions and engagements relevant to the country’s urban agenda.
WUF13 brought together participants from around the world and served as a major global platform for dialogue on sustainable urbanization, housing, resilience, and inclusive cities. Discussions and outcomes from the Forum are expected to contribute to the 2026 United Nations High-Level Meeting on the Review of the Implementation of the New Urban Agenda and to the preparation of the UN Secretary-General’s report on its implementation. END