More than 57 000 participants from 176 countries attended the forum, making it the largest gathering of its kind. The event brought together government leaders, urban planners, researchers and development partners to discuss housing challenges affecting billions of people.
The meeting ended with the adoption of the Baku Call to Action, which outlines priorities for governments and institutions. The framework emphasises the need to treat housing as part of a broader system linked to infrastructure, transport, services and economic activity, rather than focusing only on construction.
The call also highlights pressures affecting housing systems, including rising costs, land speculation, population displacement and climate risks. It urges integrated approaches that consider both economic and social factors, particularly for vulnerable communities.
Amina Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN), said sustainable urbanisation and access to housing are central to achieving global development goals. Mohammed said cities must be designed to support inclusion, resilience and access to services.
The forum noted that housing conditions are closely linked to other development issues such as water access, energy and public health. Discussions also emphasised the impact of climate change, with communities in informal settlements facing increased exposure to extreme weather.
Data presented at the forum showed that housing systems are under strain due to rapid urbanisation, governance challenges and financial constraints. Participants identified access to financing as a key obstacle, particularly for local authorities responsible for implementing housing programmes.
The forum called for expanded investment, improved data systems and stronger coordination between national and local governments. Support for community-led initiatives was also identified as an important factor in improving outcomes.
Anacláudia Rossbach, Executive Director of UN-Habitat, said housing systems are not meeting demand, with many people living in conditions that are inadequate or unaffordable.
The discussions also highlighted the need for clearer governance frameworks and stronger institutional capacity to implement housing policies effectively.
Participants said that progress will depend on translating commitments into implementation, particularly as the 2030 deadline for global development targets approaches.
–UN/ChannelAfrica–
