Minister Croal represents Guyana at Global Urban Forum in Azerbaijan
𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟐1 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 –
Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, is representing Guyana at the Thirteenth Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) currently underway in Baku, Azerbaijan.
The international forum, being held from May 17 to 22 under the theme “Housing the World: Safe and Resilient Cities and Communities,” has brought together global leaders, government ministers, academics, international organisations, and key decision-makers in housing and urban development from more than 180 countries.
Minister Croal attended the official opening ceremony of the event, where featured addresses were delivered by President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, Executive Director of UN-Habitat Anacláudia Rossbach, along with other senior United Nations officials and international leaders.
Guyana’s participation at the forum highlights the Government’s continued focus on advancing sustainable housing, resilient communities, and inclusive urban development, while strengthening partnerships and sharing experiences with countries and organisations worldwide.
The World Urban Forum, convened every two years by UN-Habitat, serves as the leading global platform for dialogue on sustainable urbanisation and the future of cities. Discussions at the forum are focused on the impacts of rapid urbanisation on societies, economic development, climate resilience, and public policy.
On the second day of the conference, Minister Croal also participated in the Forum of Ministers and High-Level Authorities on Housing and Urbanism of Latin America and the Caribbean (MINURVI).
Established in 1992, MINURVI functions as an intergovernmental platform for cooperation and policy dialogue among Latin American and Caribbean nations on issues related to housing, urbanism, and sustainable urban development.
The Second MINURVI Plenary Session for 2026, convened within the framework of WUF13, focused on advancing the New Urban Agenda (NUA) and strengthening preparations for the upcoming United Nations High-Level Meeting on its implementation.
WUF13 also features an Urban Expo showcasing innovative and transformative solutions aimed at promoting sustainable, resilient, and inclusive housing and urban development initiatives across the globe.
