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Somalia and Azerbaijan have been elected as co-chairs of the Bureau of the Open-Ended Intergovernmental Working Group for 2025–2026, a body established under the 2023 UN-Habitat Assembly resolution “Adequate Housing for All.” The election took place during the second session of the Working Group (OEWG-H2) on October 23 at the UN-Habitat headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya. The two countries will succeed Kenya and France, who previously held these leadership positions.
The Open-Ended Intergovernmental Working Group acts as the secretariat of the UN-Habitat Assembly. Its main role is to guide discussions, develop recommendations, and coordinate the efforts of UN member states toward building safe, sustainable, and affordable housing for all people. By bringing together governments, experts, and organizations, the group helps shape global housing and urban development policies in line with the United Nations’ sustainable development goals.
Somalia’s election as co-chair marks an important milestone for the country, reflecting its growing engagement in international development and governance. This leadership role gives Somalia a stronger voice in global conversations about urban planning, housing, and sustainable city development. It also highlights the country’s progress in rebuilding its institutions and economy after decades of instability. The position provides an opportunity for Somalia to showcase its urban development priorities and strengthen partnerships aimed at improving living conditions and housing accessibility for its citizens.
The co-chairmanship also connects closely with the upcoming 13th World Urban Forum (WUF13), which will take place in Baku, Azerbaijan, from May 17–22, 2026. The event will focus on the theme “Housing the World: Safe and Resilient Cities and Communities,” aligning perfectly with the goals of the UN-Habitat Working Group. As co-chairs, Somalia and Azerbaijan are expected to play key roles in shaping discussions and promoting collaborative solutions ahead of the forum. Their leadership will help set the tone for global dialogue on how countries can work together to address challenges such as urban poverty, rapid population growth, and climate-related housing vulnerabilities.
In recent years, Somalia’s collaboration with UN-Habitat has been steadily growing, especially in the areas of sustainable urban development, infrastructure planning, and capacity building. UN-Habitat has been working closely with Somali authorities to support housing reconstruction, improve city planning, and strengthen the institutions responsible for urban governance. These efforts are crucial as Somalia continues to experience rapid urbanization, with many people migrating from rural areas to cities in search of opportunities and stability.
The partnership also contributes to the country’s broader goals of state-building and economic recovery. As Somalia continues to stabilize politically and socially, international recognition of its leadership capacity — such as this new co-chairmanship — serves as a strong signal of confidence in the country’s progress. It acknowledges the improvements made in governance, security, and the rule of law, as well as Somalia’s growing role as an active participant in shaping regional and global development agendas.
UN-Habitat, the United Nations agency leading global efforts for sustainable human settlements, plays a vital role in supporting this progress. It focuses on promoting inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities where everyone has access to adequate shelter. Through initiatives like the Open-Ended Intergovernmental Working Group, UN-Habitat encourages nations to share best practices and work collectively toward ending housing insecurity worldwide.
Somalia’s new leadership role in this international framework not only strengthens its diplomatic profile but also provides a meaningful platform to advance its domestic development goals. By co-chairing with Azerbaijan, Somalia will be able to contribute to shaping a global vision for housing that is both equitable and sustainable — one that ensures every person, regardless of background or income, has a place to call home.