Report of the tenth session, World Urban Forum (WUF10) publishes

Creativity and cultural diversity have always been key drivers of urban success. At WUF10, for the first time culture, creativity and innovation were at the centre of the global conversation about the liveability, vitality and sustainability of cities. The Forum’s theme, “Cities of Opportunities: Connecting Culture and Innovation,” recognised that culture is an integral part of the solution to the challenges of urbanisation and achieving the New Urban Agenda.

As WUF10 affirmed, culture is a vital component of local identity, including heritage, creativity and diversity. Urbanisation needs to be planned, designed and managed to enhance this. Indeed, culture can be considered as the fourth pillar of sustainable development. This report details the scope and nature of participation by diverse

stakeholders at the Forum. It shares insights and recommendations generated from over 500 Forum events, including dialogues, roundtables and special sessions, about creative ways of driving people-centred development that is inclusive, leaves no one behind, and mainstreams culture into strategic urban planning.

UN-Habitat will continue working with its partners to fulfil the pledges and commitments made in the Abu Dhabi Declared Actions to ensure we leave no one and no place behind.