From Baku to Mexico City: What WUF13 Reveals for the Church and the City

 Faith Pavilion leaders at WUF13 in Baku, Azerbaijan.

The 13th World Urban Forum (WUF13), convened by UN-Habitat in Baku, Azerbaijan, brought together leaders from government, academia, civil society, business, and faith communities to explore solutions to some of today’s most pressing urban challenges.

The Housing Crisis Is a Church Issue

Key urban challenges highlighted at WUF13.

One of the strongest messages at WUF13 was the urgency of the global housing crisis. Today, 2.8 billion people lack adequate housing or basic services, 1.12 billion live in informal settlements, and nearly 300 million people face homelessness.

Jacob Bloemberg from the Lausanne Cities Network  noted that WUF helped him recognize the gap between how many Christians talk about cities and how urban planners, policymakers, and civic leaders understand urban realities.

“WUF reveals the scale and complexity of the actual challenges facing cities.”

From housing and infrastructure to public health and climate resilience, cities need more than good intentions; they require understanding and meaningful collaboration.

Learning to Love the City by Understanding It

Michael Crane, who has attended five World Urban Forums, emphasized:

“The church needs to know the city in order to love the city.”

He believes the Church must learn from the city in order to understand its real needs, while also bringing its presence, prayer, compassion, and practical contributions into conversations about the future of urban life.

Faith Pavilion: From Presence to Influence

Faith Pavilion partners at WUF13.

According to Christopher Elisara of the World Evangelical Alliance (WEA), one of the most significant developments at WUF13 was the growing influence of the Faith Pavilion and its Call to Action on Housing.

“Adequate housing is not only a policy issue but also a matter of human dignity and moral responsibility.”

The statement opened new conversations with policymakers and helped position faith communities as trusted partners capable of contributing to practical urban solutions.

Faith and the Sustainable Development Goals

Sustainable Development Goals discussed throughout WUF13.

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were a central theme throughout WUF13, highlighting the importance of collaboration in addressing challenges such as housing, poverty, health, education, environmental sustainability, and urban flourishing.

Faith communities have an important role to play through practical action, trusted local relationships, and long-term engagement in cities.

The TRUST pathway for Urban Mission Together.

Christopher also highlighted the unique assets faith communities bring to urban development, including trusted local relationships, moral influence, property and facilities, volunteer networks, and a long-term presence within neighborhoods.

New Opportunities for Faith and City Collaboration

Conversations on faith and urban development at WUF13.

For Tim Svoboda, a long-time leader in the urban transformation movement, one of the most memorable moments was a conversation with the mayor of Masaka, Uganda, a city experiencing rapid urban growth.

She wasn’t asking whether faith communities should be involved; she wanted to know how faith leaders could help her city flourish.

This encounter reflected a growing trend throughout WUF13: city leaders are increasingly seeking meaningful partnerships with faith communities to address urban challenges.

Looking Ahead to Mexico City

The pathway from WUF13 in Baku to WUF14 in Mexico City.

As attention turns toward WUF14 in Mexico City in 2028, CitiesCollab is inviting partners to share stories from their cities, identify examples of housing and urban flourishing initiatives, contribute case studies, and participate in collaborative efforts that connect faith communities with city leadership.

If WUF13 opened a door, the years ahead offer an opportunity for faith communities around the world to walk through it with humility, collaboration, and practical love for the city.