Somalia Attends World Urban Forum in Baku

BAKU: The Federal Government of Somalia has outlined a comprehensive urban development strategy that integrates housing, land management, climate adaptation and local economic growth, the Minister of Public Works, Reconstruction and Housing said on Monday as he addressed the 13th World Urban Forum in Azerbaijan’s capital.

Ayub Ismail Yusuf participated in the forum alongside representatives of international organisations and development partners. The event, organised by UN‑Habitat, brought together governments, development banks and other stakeholders working on housing, urban development and community advancement.

The minister told delegates that Somalia is implementing a comprehensive strategy to create an integrated system linking housing, land management, climate adaptation and local economic development. He said the approach is designed to enhance stability and foster sustainable growth. Mr Yusuf added that the ministry has prepared new studies and planning frameworks to improve the country’s housing and land administration systems, which he described as essential for urban reconstruction and the expansion of public services.

The effort builds on ongoing technical cooperation with UN‑Habitat, which has included housing construction for displaced communities in Bosaso and Baidoa as well as land management strategies for those cities. A preparatory meeting held in Mogadishu in January 2026 discussed preparations for the World Urban Forum and examined proposed modifications to the cooperation agreement between the ministry and UN‑Habitat, particularly regarding urban development corridors.

In his remarks, Mr Yusuf highlighted several strategic development initiatives currently under way. He cited projects in Beledweyne, Doolow and the Jasiira area of Mogadishu as examples of the government’s focus on affordable housing, economic infrastructure and the construction of climate‑resilient urban centres.

National Housing Policy and Urban Planning

The minister’s speech at the Baku forum follows other recent international engagements by the Ministry of Public Works. In November 2025, the ministry convened a national housing policy consultation conference in Mogadishu, bringing together federal and state representatives as well as development partners to discuss Somalia’s first comprehensive National Housing Policy. That initiative is designed to address the country’s severe housing shortage, harmonise building standards, clarify land ownership systems and promote affordable, climate‑resilient construction.

Domestically, the government has also unveiled major urban planning projects. In May 2026, a planning event was held for the Mindhob neighbourhood in the Warsheikh district under the “New Mogadishu” initiative, unveiling blueprints for a modern residential community with sustainable infrastructure. The project has attracted interest from business leaders, youth representatives and members of the Somali diaspora, who have committed to investing in the area.

Infrastructure improvements are also proceeding in other parts of the country. Rehabilitation work on the Beledweyne–Kalabeyr road has begun, including roadbed strengthening, new culverts, stormwater drainage and improved bridges to keep the route open during floods, which frequently isolate the city during the rainy season.

The broader urban revival is being driven by improved security in Mogadishu. As the federal government solidifies advances against instability and protects the capital, investor confidence has reached unprecedented heights, leading to a construction boom that includes residential and commercial projects, road rehabilitation and drainage improvements.

Somalia’s Growing Role in Global Urban Governance

Somalia has been steadily increasing its participation in multilateral urban governance. In June 2025, a Somali delegation led by the Ministry of Public Works took part in the second session of the UN Habitat Assembly in Nairobi, the top global decision-making body on sustainable urbanisation, which brings together all 193 UN member states to shape the global urban agenda.

In November 2025, Somalia assumed a co‑chair position at the third session of the UN‑Habitat Executive Board in Nairobi, marking the first time the nation has held such a leadership role at the agency. The two‑day session evaluated UN‑Habitat’s programme delivery and financial health and deliberated on aspects of the Strategic Plan for 2026–2029.

In November 2024, the Second Deputy Prime Minister led a Somali delegation to the 12th World Urban Forum in Cairo, the first time the forum was held in Africa since 2002. The event focused on localising the Sustainable Development Goals and highlighted Africa’s role in shaping sustainable urban development amid growing urbanisation and climate challenges.

In May 2024, UN‑Habitat signed a sustainable urbanisation agreement with Somalia, allowing the agency to promote sustainable urban development and reconstruction in the East African nation.

The World Urban Forum, established by the United Nations, is the premier international conference on urban issues. The 13th session, being held in Baku from 17 to 22 May 2026, is focused on inclusive, resilient and people‑centred approaches to urban development as global housing shortages and climate pressures intensify. Somalia’s participation underscores its commitment to addressing urban challenges as part of broader state‑building and recovery efforts.