The Free State Department of COGTA and Human Settlements is currently participating in the 13th World Urban Forum underway in the Republic of Azerbaijan, in the city of Baku, from 17 to 22 May 2026 at the Olympic Stadium.
The World Urban Forum is the premier global conference on sustainable urbanisation convened by UN-Habitat. The forum brings together a broad spectrum of urban stakeholders to explore solutions to the growing global housing crisis and to position housing as a foundation for safe, inclusive, and resilient cities and communities.
The objectives of the forum include strengthening international cooperation on sustainable urban development, promoting inclusive housing solutions, and advancing innovative approaches to human settlements development.
The MEC for Cooperative Governance, Traditional Affairs and Human Settlements, Saki Mokoena, forms part of South Africa’s delegation led by the Minister of Human Settlements, Thembi Simelane.
During the forum, South Africa will participate in discussions and engagements alongside representatives from national, regional, and local governments, academia, business, and civil society from across the world.
In his recent Budget Vote Speech, MEC Mokoena emphasised that informal settlements remain one of the province’s major challenges, currently
accommodating more than 84,000 households. He noted that rapid urbanisation from farming communities, migration from neighbouring provinces, and the growth of younger families establishing independent households continue to place significant pressure on urban infrastructure and housing demand.
The MEC further stated that this phenomenon presents serious challenges in the provision of essential basic services, including water, sanitation, electricity, and adequate road infrastructure.
It is hoped that engagements from WUF will bring solutions that can be implemented by the province in addressing these challenges.
#BeTheFirstToKnow
TO SUPPORT FREE STATE WORLD NEWSPAPER AND THE WORK WE DO, DONATE TO US ON OUR ACCOUNT NO HERE:
Grace T GROUP
Capitec Bank Account (CAPITEC BUSINESS)
Account number: 1051608058
Account Type: Current Account
Business Branch Code:450105
