Bangladesh has participated in the 13th session of the World Urban Forum being held in Baku, Azerbaijan. Photo: Collected

DHAKA, May 19, 2026 (BSS) - Bangladesh has participated in the 13th session of the World Urban Forum being held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from May 17 to May 22 under the joint initiative of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) and the Government of Azerbaijan.

A Bangladesh delegation, led by Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Housing and Public Works Ferdousi Begum, is taking part in the session.

According to a press release issued today, the delegation also includes Deputy Secretary of the ministry Md. Abdul Awal, Chief Architect of the Department of Architecture Md. Asifur Rahman Bhuiyan, and Chief Town Planner of RAJUK Md. Ashraful Islam.

The theme of this year’s conference, jointly organized by UN-Habitat and the Government of Azerbaijan, is “Housing the World: Safe and Resilient Cities and Communities”.

The 13th World Urban Forum was inaugurated by Executive Director of UN-Habitat Anaclaudia Rossbach.

Following the inauguration, a ministerial meeting on the “New Urban Agenda” was held, where emphasis was placed on ensuring sustainable, inclusive and affordable housing worldwide.

Bangladesh joined representatives from more than 55 countries, including Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia, in reaffirming commitment to building sustainable, inclusive and people-centered cities.

The “New Urban Agenda”, adopted in 2016, is currently serving as an important guideline for global urban development. 

The Bangladesh delegation highlighted the country’s ongoing initiatives in planned urbanization, affordable housing and climate-resilient development, which are aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

At the ministerial meeting, Bangladesh highlighted its key priorities, including planned urbanization and regional development, affordable and inclusive housing, and global partnerships for sustainable cities.