At the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13), held from 17 to 22 May, ESCWA actively contributed to high-level dialogues and co-organized a series of sessions with regional and international partners to advance sustainable urban development in the Arab region. The participation of ESCWA focused on localizing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), strengthening urban resilience, advancing digital transformation, enhancing local capacities, and fostering regional cooperation.
Throughout the Forum, discussions explored how cities could strengthen housing systems, localize the SDGs, and build more resilient communities through effective policies, partnerships, and data-driven decision-making. Participants emphasized the importance of voluntary local reviews (VLRs) as tools for improving housing outcomes, enhancing public service delivery, and supporting risk-informed urban planning.
The Forum also provided a platform to examine ways of improving cities’ access to financing for resilience-building initiatives and sustainable urban development projects, with a focus on connecting local priorities to investment opportunities.
Other discussions highlighted the importance of quality of life as a key driver of urban policy, planning, and investment, underscoring the need for people-centred approaches that place residents’ well-being at the heart of urban development strategies. During a dedicated session, the five UN regional commissions launched their first joint report titled “Quality of life in cities: towards unified interregional perspectives”, prepared under the UN-Habitat-led Quality of Life Initiative.
Participants further explored the role of digital urban transformation in supporting data-driven governance and strengthening cities’ ability to address water-related challenges and climate risks. Emphasis was placed on translating project-level interventions into broader and more sustainable policy change.
The Arab Mayors Academy featured prominently in the Commission’s engagement at the Forum, serving as a platform for knowledge exchange, capacity-building, and peer learning among local leaders. Discussions highlighted the Academy’s role in strengthening institutional capacities and empowering municipal leadership to advance sustainable and resilient urban development across the Arab region.
Through its participation at WUF13, ESCWA reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Arab cities in addressing emerging urban challenges and accelerating progress towards more inclusive, sustainable, and resilient urban futures.
