In anticipation of the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13), scheduled to take place from 17 to 22 May 2026 in Baku, Azerbaijan, the Agency for Spatial and Urban Planning of the Republic of Serbia, the Ministry of Construction, Transport and Infrastructure of the Republic of Serbia, the City of Vranje, and the Standing Conference of Towns and Municipalities – the Association of Towns and Municipalities in Serbia ‒ in partnership with the United Nations Resident Coordinator Office in Serbia, the United Nations Human Settlements Programme – UN-Habitat, the World Bank, the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit ‒ are organizing the National Urban Forum in Vranje, to be held on 23 and 24 April 2026.
The National Urban Forum serves multiple roles: it is not only a platform for the exchange of knowledge and experiences, but also a key mechanism for coordinating diverse stakeholders in preparation for participation in the World Urban Forum. Through this process, national priorities are identified, aligned, and strategically positioned within the broader global context of urban development policies.
Housing, as highlighted by the theme of this year’s World Urban Forum ‒ Housing the world: Safe and resilient cities and communities ‒ has become one of the central challenges of contemporary urban development. It is no longer viewed solely as a means of meeting a basic human need, but as a complex issue that intersects with social inclusion, economic stability, and environmental sustainability. Ensuring safe, accessible, and adequate housing should improve the overall quality of life for all residents.
The National Urban Forum will address housing from multiple perspectives through plenary discussions, thematic sessions, and the “Housing 25” exhibition, which showcases modern architectural and urban housing approaches. The event will highlight progress and results from Serbia’s Sustainable Urban Development Strategy 2030 and related initiatives. Participants will assess achievements, identify implementation challenges, and propose future policy directions. The Forum also has a strong international component, enabling comparison with regional, European and global practices and the adoption of innovative, proven models.
The National Urban Forum has the potential to play a key role in shaping a more coherent, inclusive, and sustainable urban policy, while also strengthening Serbia’s position in the global dialogue on the future of cities.
Please note that registration for the live event is required and can be completed using the link.
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