Tekst toespraak

Ministerial Meeting on the New Urban Agenda (World Urban Forum 13)

Zondag 17 mei 2026 (Baku, Azerbeidzjan)

 

Your Excellencies,

Dear representatives of national, regional and local governments,

Distinguished guests,

 

It is an honour to address you today at this Ministerial Meeting on the New Urban Agenda, as part of the 13th World Urban Forum.

 

I speak to you as Mayor of The Hague, Chair of the international delegation of the Association of Netherlands Municipalities, and as a member of the Executive Presidency of United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG), representing over 70% of the world population.

 

As we reach the midpoint of the New Urban Agenda, this is a key moment on the road toward the review of SDG 11 later this year and the reflection by the UN General Assembly.

 

The theme of this Forum  “Housing the world”  addresses one of the most urgent challenges of our time. Nearly three billion people live in inadequate housing, while climate change continues to deepen inequalities.

 

The right to housing is a fundamental human right. Yet the current crisis shows how far we still are from realizing this right.

 

It is a global challenge, affecting societies in both the global north and south, and impacting a wide range of income groups.

 

Cities are at the frontline of this challenge.

 

The Hague may not be the largest city, but it has a strong international profile and a clear ambition: to connect global agendas with local action.

 

We invest in city diplomacy and international partnerships to exchange knowledge and scale solutions.

 

In the Netherlands, we face a major housing challenge. We need to build 100,000 homes each year, including through inner-city development.

 

Yet, quantity alone is not enough.

 

In The Hague, we also improve the quality of our housing by upgrading 10,000 homes annually. This reduces energy demand, lowers emissions, and keeps housing affordable. It is essential for our climate ambitions.

 

At the same time, we know that housing is not just about buildings. It is about infrastructure, green space, and strong communities.

 

A good example is the development of our Central Innovation District, where we combine housing with social cohesion, participation and climate adaptation. By integrating living, working and learning, we create inclusive and resilient urban environments.

 

This example reflects the Dutch conviction: Solving the housing crisis requires an integrated approach across policy areas and levels of government.

 

Local governments have proven their capacity to act, innovate and respond to crises. A successful example is the New Urban Agenda for the European Union, where local, national and EU-level governments co-create solutions to urban challenges.

 

We therefore call for stronger multilevel governance and for cities to be recognised not only as implementers, but as political actors that help shape global agendas.

 

In closing.

 

Housing is not only about supply. It is about dignity, stability, and trust in society. The right to a home is a cornerstone of resilient and inclusive cities.

 

When we speak of “housing the world,” the urgency is clear. Solutions exist, but no single actor can deliver them alone.

 

It requires all levels of government, working together with communities — guided by equity, solidarity, and shared responsibility.

 

Thank you.