South Africa is set to participate in the 13th World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku as governments worldwide intensify discussions around housing shortages, infrastructure challenges and sustainable urban development.
The global gathering, taking place from18to22May under the theme “Housing the World: Safe and Resilient Cities and Communities,” will bring together policymakers, urban planners, academics and development organisations to address the future of rapidly growing cities.
Ahead of the event, Ilham Aliyev signed a decree declaring2026the “Year of Urban Planning and Architecture” in Azerbaijan, highlighting the country’s focus on urban development initiatives.
South Africa’s delegation will be led by Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane, who hopes the forum will help identify long-term solutions to the global housing crisis and strengthen international cooperation on urban development.
South Africa faces growing urbanisation pressures
According to the Department of Human Settlements, South Africa’s urbanisation rate has increased significantly in recent years.
When the New Urban Agenda was adopted, more than60%of South Africans were living in urban areas. Current estimates place the figure at68.82%, with projections suggesting it could rise to71.3%by2030.
Government officials say urbanisation remains an irreversible trend that continues reshaping the country’s social and economic landscape.
While urban growth has created opportunities for investment, innovation and economic activity, it has also intensified challenges linked to inequality, infrastructure backlogs and pressure on municipal services.
The department noted that informal settlements, unregulated land use and housing shortages remain major obstacles to sustainable urban management.
Officials argue that many municipalities are struggling to keep pace with population growth, increasing demand for housing and expanding service delivery responsibilities.
Housing and climate resilience take centre stage
The World Urban Forum will also focus heavily on the connection between housing and climate resilience.
According to forum data, approximately2.8billion people worldwide still lack adequate housing, while around1.1billion live in informal settlements or slums.
With nearly70%of the global population expected to live in urban areas by2050, experts warn that cities are growing faster than infrastructure and housing systems can accommodate.
Organisers say housing should not be viewed only as shelter but also as a foundation for dignity, economic opportunity, social inclusion and resilience.
The forum further highlighted the environmental impact of urban development, noting that buildings and construction account for nearly40%of global carbon emissions.
As a result, housing policies are increasingly being linked to climate mitigation, sustainable energy use and environmentally responsible urban planning.
South Africa is expected to use the forum to exchange policy experiences, learn from international best practices and strengthen partnerships focused on sustainable urbanisation.
Government officials say participation in WUF13 forms part of broader efforts to address the country’s long-term housing pressures while building more inclusive, resilient and sustainable cities.
Source: South African Department of Human Settlements and World Urban Forum information.
