MINISTER of Housing, Collin Croal, is representing the country at the Thirteenth Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13), where global leaders are convened in Baku, Azerbaijan to discuss the future of sustainable cities and urban development.
The high-level United Nations forum, which runs from May 17 to 22, 2026, is being held under the theme “Housing the World: Safe and Resilient Cities and Communities” and has attracted participation from government ministers, heads of international organisations, academics, and policy experts from more than 180 countries.
Croal attended the official opening ceremony of the forum, which was addressed by President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, alongside senior officials from UN-Habitat, including Executive Director Anacláudia Rossbach, as well as other international dignitaries.
Guyana’s participation at WUF13, officials said, underscores the government’s ongoing commitment to advancing sustainable housing development, strengthening climate-resilient communities, and expanding international cooperation in urban planning and infrastructure development. The engagement also provides an opportunity for Guyana to share its experiences while learning from global best practices in housing and urban policy.
The World Urban Forum, convened biennially by UN-Habitat, serves as the United Nations’ premier platform for dialogue on sustainable urbanisation and the future of cities. Discussions at the event focus on the challenges posed by rapid urban growth, including housing demand, infrastructure development, climate resilience, and the shaping of effective public policy responses.
This year’s forum also features an Urban Expo, where countries, cities, private sector actors, and development organisations are showcasing innovative solutions aimed at promoting inclusive, resilient, and sustainable urban development.
Guyana’s presence at the forum comes at a time when the country continues to expand large-scale housing and infrastructure programmes as part of its national development agenda, with officials seeking to align local initiatives with global standards and emerging urban trends.
