Ministerial - Ministerial Meeting on the New Urban…

At the midpoint of the NUA, are we on track—or falling behind—and how do we accelerate action toward 2036?

The Ministerial Meeting on the New Urban Agenda (NUA), convened at WUF13, marks the midpoint of the NUA's implementation (2016-2036) and serves as a key milestone toward the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) 2026 and the UN General Assembly review. It provides a strategic platform for Member States to reflect on progress, identify persistent gaps, and define priorities for the decade ahead, with a particular focus on housing as a central driver of sustainable urban development.

Anchored in the three transformative commitments of the NUA—social inclusion and poverty eradication, shared prosperity, and environmental sustainability—the meeting highlights housing as both a human right and a catalyst for economic opportunity, resilience, and climate action. Despite global commitments, access to adequate housing remains out of reach for billions, with inequalities disproportionately affecting marginalised groups and people living in informal settlements. At the same time, climate change, urbanization pressures, and geopolitical crises are intensifying housing challenges worldwide.

The Ministerial Meeting combines national statements with three high-level thematic panels addressing: (i) housing for social inclusion and poverty reduction; (ii) housing as a driver of urban prosperity and opportunities; and (iii) housing for environmentally sustainable and resilient urban development. Through these discussions, ministers and stakeholders will share good practices, explore innovative policy and financing solutions, and strengthen multilevel governance approaches.

The meeting aims to reinvigorate global commitment to the NUA, positioning housing at the center of policy action and accelerating implementation pathways toward 2036. It will also contribute to shaping global urban policy debates and advancing integrated solutions that connect housing, climate action, and sustainable development.

Expected Outcomes

The Ministerial Meeting will generate renewed political momentum for the implementation of the New Urban Agenda, with housing positioned as a central accelerator for sustainable urban development. It will facilitate the exchange of good practices and strengthen Member States' commitments to action for the remaining decade to 2036. The discussions will contribute to a shared understanding of key policy, governance, and financing priorities needed to scale up adequate housing solutions.

Outcomes will be captured in a Chair's Summary, which will inform the NUA mid-term review process, contribute to HLPF 2026 deliberations, and feed into the broader outcomes of WUF13, including the Baku Call to Action.

• Take stock of 10 years of NUA implementation, highlighting progress, gaps, and challenges, particularly in housing.
• Reaffirm political commitment to housing as a driver of inclusion, prosperity, and sustainability.
• Identify key policy, governance, and financing accelerators to advance NUA implementation over the next decade.
• Strengthening alignment between housing, climate action, and sustainable development agendas.
• Contribute to the NUA mid-term review process and inform HLPF 2026 and UN General Assembly discussions.