Deadline: 30-Nov-2026
UN-Habitat has launched a Call for Expressions of Interest (EOI) inviting countries to host the 15th World Urban Forum (WUF15) in 2030. The forum is the world’s leading international conference on sustainable urbanization, adequate housing, and the implementation of the New Urban Agenda, bringing together governments, city leaders, international organizations, experts, civil society, and the private sector to shape the future of cities.
The selected host country must provide a minimum cash contribution of USD 15 million to support the organization and delivery of the global event.
World Urban Forum (WUF15) 2030 Overview
The World Urban Forum (WUF) is the world’s premier international conference dedicated to sustainable urban development, housing, and the future of cities.
Organized by UN-Habitat, the forum serves as a global platform where governments, urban planners, policymakers, researchers, development organizations, local authorities, businesses, and civil society discuss solutions to today’s urban challenges.
The Call for Expressions of Interest invites eligible countries to submit proposals to host WUF15, scheduled to take place in 2030.
Hosting the forum provides countries with an opportunity to showcase their commitment to sustainable urban development while facilitating global dialogue on the future of cities and human settlements.
Purpose of the World Urban Forum
The World Urban Forum was established to advance international cooperation on adequate housing, inclusive cities, and sustainable urbanization.
The forum aims to:
- Promote sustainable urban development
- Support the implementation of the New Urban Agenda
- Raise awareness of adequate housing challenges
- Strengthen international cooperation
- Share urban policy solutions and best practices
- Encourage innovation in city planning
- Build partnerships for sustainable cities
- Improve global knowledge on urban development
The forum also supports international efforts to improve the quality of life for people living in urban areas worldwide.
Why the World Urban Forum Matters
Today, cities face increasing challenges such as rapid urbanization, housing shortages, climate change, infrastructure demands, inequality, and population growth.
The World Urban Forum provides a global platform where stakeholders can:
- Exchange successful urban development practices
- Learn from international experiences
- Develop innovative policy solutions
- Strengthen collaboration across sectors
- Support sustainable and inclusive city development
The forum contributes to stronger global cooperation for creating resilient, inclusive, and environmentally sustainable cities.
Key Focus Areas of WUF15
The forum addresses a broad range of urban development priorities.
Adequate Housing
The forum promotes access to safe, affordable, and adequate housing for all communities.
Discussions may include:
- Housing policies
- Affordable housing solutions
- Inclusive housing development
- Urban housing challenges
Sustainable Urbanization
Participants explore strategies that help cities grow in environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable ways.
Topics include:
- Sustainable city planning
- Urban resilience
- Climate-responsive development
- Green infrastructure
Implementation of the New Urban Agenda
The World Urban Forum supports global implementation of the New Urban Agenda, which provides a shared vision for sustainable urban development.
Discussions focus on:
- National implementation
- Local action
- Policy coordination
- Progress monitoring
Knowledge Sharing and Capacity Building
The forum encourages learning through:
- Training sessions
- Expert discussions
- Technical workshops
- Exchange of best practices
- Policy dialogues
These activities strengthen the capacity of governments and organizations working on urban development.
Stakeholder Coordination and Partnerships
The programme strengthens collaboration among:
- National governments
- Local governments
- International organizations
- Civil society
- Academic institutions
- Urban development experts
- Private sector partners
Strong partnerships are essential for implementing sustainable urban solutions.
Global Urban Policy and Reporting
The forum contributes to:
- Reporting on the New Urban Agenda
- Monitoring global urban progress
- Developing policy recommendations
- Supporting international urban development priorities
Who Participates in the World Urban Forum?
The World Urban Forum brings together diverse stakeholders involved in urban development.
Participants typically include:
- National governments
- Local government leaders
- City authorities
- UN agencies
- International organizations
- Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
- Urban planners
- Architects
- Researchers
- Academic institutions
- Development practitioners
- Civil society organizations
- Private sector representatives
- Community leaders
The forum creates opportunities for collaboration between public, private, and civil society sectors.
Who Can Apply to Host WUF15?
The Call for Expressions of Interest is open to countries interested in hosting the World Urban Forum 2030.
Interested governments should demonstrate their ability to:
- Organize a large international event
- Support sustainable urban development
- Coordinate with UN-Habitat
- Provide financial and logistical support
- Facilitate participation from international stakeholders
Countries must submit an official hosting proposal in accordance with UN-Habitat requirements.
Host Country Financial Contribution
Countries selected to host WUF15 must provide a financial contribution to support the organisation of the forum.
Minimum Required Contribution
The selected host country must provide:
USD 15,000,000 (minimum cash contribution)
This contribution will be made to UN-Habitat to support planning and implementation of the event.
Additional information regarding the use of the contribution will be included during the official bidding process.
Benefits of Hosting the World Urban Forum
Hosting WUF15 provides significant opportunities for the selected country.
Potential benefits include:
- International recognition
- Global policy leadership
- Increased international partnerships
- Promotion of sustainable urban initiatives
- Economic benefits from international visitors
- Opportunities to showcase national urban development achievements
- Enhanced collaboration with global institutions
Hosting the forum also demonstrates national commitment to sustainable development and urban innovation.
How the World Urban Forum Works
The World Urban Forum provides a structured platform for dialogue, collaboration, and knowledge exchange.
Step 1: Global Participation
Governments, experts, organisations, and stakeholders from around the world gather to discuss urban development challenges.
Step 2: Knowledge Exchange
Participants share:
- Research findings
- Policy experiences
- Urban innovations
- Practical case studies
- Successful city initiatives
Step 3: Policy Discussions
The forum facilitates discussions on:
- Housing
- Sustainable cities
- Climate resilience
- Urban governance
- Infrastructure
- Inclusive development
Step 4: Collaboration and Partnerships
Stakeholders develop partnerships that support future urban development initiatives and international cooperation.
How to Apply to Host WUF15
Countries interested in hosting the forum should prepare a comprehensive proposal.
Step 1: Submit an Expression of Interest
Governments should formally express their interest in hosting the forum according to UN-Habitat guidelines.
Step 2: Prepare the Hosting Proposal
The proposal should explain:
- National hosting capacity
- Venue arrangements
- Infrastructure
- Organisational capabilities
- Financial commitment
- Support for sustainable urban development
Step 3: Demonstrate Financial Commitment
Applicants should confirm their ability to provide the required USD 15 million contribution and meet the financial responsibilities of hosting the event.
Step 4: Participate in the Selection Process
UN-Habitat reviews proposals and evaluates each country’s ability to successfully host the World Urban Forum.
Step 5: Host the Global Forum
The selected country works closely with UN-Habitat to organise and deliver WUF15 in 2030.
Common Mistakes and Tips for Host Country Applicants
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Countries preparing proposals should avoid:
- Providing incomplete hosting plans
- Underestimating logistical requirements
- Failing to demonstrate financial capacity
- Not explaining national urban development priorities
- Submitting insufficient stakeholder engagement plans
Tips for a Strong Hosting Proposal
Governments should:
- Demonstrate experience hosting international events
- Highlight sustainable urban development achievements
- Show strong institutional coordination
- Present realistic financial plans
- Explain long-term benefits of hosting WUF15
- Showcase commitment to the New Urban Agenda
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the World Urban Forum (WUF)?
The World Urban Forum is UN-Habitat’s leading international conference focused on sustainable urbanization, adequate housing, and the implementation of the New Urban Agenda.
Who organizes the World Urban Forum?
The forum is organized by UN-Habitat, the United Nations agency responsible for sustainable urban development and human settlements.
Who can apply to host WUF15?
Countries interested in hosting the 2030 World Urban Forum can submit an official Expression of Interest to UN-Habitat.
How much financial contribution is required?
The selected host country must provide a minimum cash contribution of USD 15,000,000 to UN-Habitat.
What topics are discussed during the World Urban Forum?
The forum covers sustainable urbanization, housing, city planning, governance, climate resilience, infrastructure, urban finance, and implementation of the New Urban Agenda.
Who attends the World Urban Forum?
Participants include governments, city leaders, NGOs, UN agencies, researchers, urban planners, private sector representatives, academics, and civil society organizations.
Why is hosting WUF15 important?
Hosting the forum allows a country to demonstrate global leadership in sustainable urban development while promoting international cooperation, innovation, and investment in urban solutions.
Conclusion
The World Urban Forum (WUF15) 2030 Call for Expressions of Interest offers countries a unique opportunity to host one of the world’s most influential international gatherings on sustainable urban development.
By bringing together global leaders, policymakers, urban experts, and development organizations, WUF15 will strengthen international cooperation, promote the implementation of the New Urban Agenda, and accelerate progress toward more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable cities worldwide.
For more information, visit UN Habitat.
