(ANSA) - BELGRADE, JUN 2 - The World Urban Forum (WUF), scheduled for June 26-30, 2022, will take place in Katowice, Poland. The WUF, whose slogan this year is "Let's change our cities for a better future," will be held for the first time in 20 years in a Central European country, the Polish Embassy in Italy announced.

Representatives from countries around the world, scientists, entrepreneurs, and ordinary citizens will gather in Katowice to look for solutions that can be turned into practical actions, aiming to make the cities we live in more human-friendly.

WUF discussions will focus on six issues: equitable cities, a green future, innovation, and technology, building the resilience of cities, urban planning and management, and urban economy and finance. At Poland's request and in light of the war in Ukraine, the program will also include the issue of rebuilding cities after the conflict.

"For the first time, the biggest and most significant event focusing on cities, the World Urban Forum, will take place in Central Europe. This opportunity is prestigious for Poland and represents a certificate of trust from our UN partners. At the event, we will show, among other things, the impressive transformation our cities have undergone and share our experiences," said Polish Minister of Funds and Regional Policy Grzegorz Puda.

UN-Habitat created the World Urban Forum, and the first took place in Nairobi, Kenya, in 2002. The event has been held regularly every two years since then. It has already been hosted in Barcelona, Vancouver, Nanjing, Rio de Janeiro, Naples, Medellin, Kuala Lumpur, and Abu Dhabi. To participate in WUF, you will be able to register for free until June 22 at https://wuf.unhabitat.org/ (ANSA).