Mexico City has been chosen as the host city for the 14th World Urban Forum (WUF14) in 2028. This event, organized by ONU-Hábitat, is one of the most significant international gatherings on sustainable urban development. This designation positions the Mexican capital as a global benchmark in public policies, social participation, and rights-focused urbanism. During the announcement, Head of Government Clara Brugada highlighted that this decision also recognizes the historical role of social movements and civil society in the capital. She stated, "I want to highlight the historic participation of social movements and civil society in Mexico City. It is a recognition of the great diversity of movements that have fought to build a city of rights." Brugada emphasized that the choice of Mexico City is not just a logistical decision, but an international recognition of the city model built in the capital. She added, "It is not simply about where it will be held, but a bet on demonstrating that the great metropolises of the 21st century can be the path to building cities of full rights, dignified life, shared prosperity, democracy, and peace." Brugada also noted that the decision recognizes the achievements made during the administration of current President Claudia Sheinbaum, especially in transformative urban policies. In 2028, the Mexican capital will be the epicenter of key discussions on topics such as: the human right to the city, dignified housing and real estate market regulation, climate action and sustainability, clean mobility and reduction of inequalities, building peace from the local level. The head of government stated that Mexico City arrives at WUF14 with innovative policies that have garnered international attention: the construction of over 500 thousand social housing actions, an upcoming law for fair rents to combat gentrification, constitutional recognition of the right to the city, development of the public care system, social urbanism projects like the 'Utopias', and the promotion of electromobility and sustainable transport. "Mexico City has historically been a great urban laboratory for transformative public policies," she affirmed. Clara Brugada called for building an international agenda from the cities, based on cooperation, human rights, and peace. "We want that from Mexico City a new cycle of alliances and commitments for the urban future of the planet is born," she said. She also announced the creation of a plural promoter committee for 2028, which will integrate academia, governments, civil society, and the private sector to collectively build the forum's agenda. With the designation of WUF14, Mexico City consolidates itself as one of the most influential metropolises in the global discussion on urban development. "This forum will be a vibrant space to build the urban future of the planet... the cities of the world have the obligation to raise our voices for peace and equality," Brugada concluded.
