Founder of Indigenous Peoples for Peace and Climate Justice (IPPCJ) Attends UN World Urban Forum 13 With Support From GTC

Since 2002, the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) has held a World Urban Forum (WUF) every two years. There, representatives from nations and organizations convene to discuss how housing can be made more affordable, environmentally sustainable, and available to all.

Describing itself as "the premier global conference on sustainable urbanization," the WUF is an opportunity for thought leaders, advocates, decision-makers, and delegates to share knowledge, build movements, and develop solutions for housing that simultaneously consider the needs of families, communities, local economies, and natural ecosystems.

Green The Church (GTC) Kenya was proud to support the attendance of June Bartuin at the thirteenth WUF, which was held recently in Baku, Azerbaijan, in late May of 2026. Her trip was only made possible thanks to supporters of Green The Church, helping us extend our presence internationally while giving local leaders a louder voice on the global stage.

June Bartuin is the founder and Executive Director of Indigenous Peoples for Peace and Climate Justice (IPPCJ). At WUF13, she was able to join in conversations, hear from others, experience multicultural and international approaches to sustainable housing, and ensure that the voices of her people in Baringo County, Kenya were heard.

"Green The Church Kenya believes that housing, climate, and peace are not separate conversations — they are one sacred covenant with creation," wrote June in her post-attendance report and recap. "At WUF13, that belief found its global stage."

A Historic Event, With GTC Kenya and IPPCJ in Attendance

According to the website of UN-Habitat, the organizing body for WUF13, its program "is mandated by the United Nations General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities with the goal of providing adequate shelter for all."

In this spirit, UN-Habitat organized WUF13 in Baku, Azerbaijan from May 17–22, 2026. According to the WUF website, the forum was attended by thousands, including "academics, business people, community leaders, urban planners and civil society representatives" as well as countless "national, regional and local" representatives.

By June's recollection, "WUF13 was historic by every measure — the largest forum ever held, featuring 579 sessions, 260 exhibitors at the Urban Expo, and over 865 journalists covering proceedings."

All told, over 57,000 participants attended, representing 176 different countries.

Among those voices was Ms. Bartuin, herself — an indigenous leader, Founder of IPPCJ, and its current Executive Director. As a faith-based advocate for justice, climate resilience, and indigenous rights, June carried the voices of her community to Baku's grand halls, reminding the world that sustainable cities cannot be built without honoring the wisdom of those who have lived closest to the land for generations.

A Resounding Call to Action From Baku

This year's forum was more urgent than ever, as nearly 3 billion people worldwide lack access to adequate shelter. Many of these individuals currently are or are likely to eventually be situated in an urban area, making WUF13's mission all the more relevant and important.

In response to the compounding global housing crisis, WUF13's agenda reflected six core dialogue streams:

• Inclusive housing finance;
• Climate-resilient urban design;
• Land rights and informal negotiations;
• Green infrastructure;
• Digital innovation in urban governance; and
• Community-led development.

Each of these streams resonated profoundly with IPPCJ's faith-based mission of dignity, stewardship of creation, and peace.

WUF13 concluded with the adoption of the Baku Call to Action — a landmark stakeholder-driven document developed through months of inclusive consultation with civil society organizations, local authorities, community leaders, and indigenous representatives.

The Baku Call to Action urges a decisive departure from fragmented approaches in favor of holistic, human-centered urban design. It demands that these developments address the housing crisis, climate resilience, social equity, and community participation as one integrated challenge.

For Green The Church (GTC) Kenya, the Baku Call to Action validates what its participating communities have long known: that housing, climate, and peace are interconnected. The organization states that this Call "challenges every faith community and indigenous voice to translate these global commitments into local action in every village, city, and settlement we serve."

Learning From Every Corner of the World

World Urban Forums offer the chance for attendees from over a hundred countries to demonstrate how culture, technology, and ideas intersect within their communities.

June had the opportunity to attend several of these demonstrations and presentations at WUF13's Urban Expo. There, she was wowed by colorful and talented Aztec performers, inspired by Turkey's vision as a possible host for the upcoming UN Climate Conference, and taught the art of Azerbaijan carpet weaving by skilled artisans.

She also had the opportunity to present her own culture, donning wardrobe inspired by indigenous Kenyans while representing IPPCJ and GTC Kenya at the same time.

Proudly Supporting Indigenous Organizations So They Can Have Eyes, Ears, and Voices on the World Stage

Because of their wide support and enthusiastic attendance from countries around the globe, World Urban Forums provide a unique opportunity to learn from and listen to passionate advocates from hundreds of countries. At the conference, some of its leading minds openly recognized that the intensifying housing and climate crises are not separate but, rather, inseparable, especially as extreme weather continues to affect the most vulnerable and those with the least support from their regional economies.

"IPPCJ grounds its advocacy in a simple but profound truth: every human being deserves a home that is safe, clean, and dignified," writes June. "The scriptures of many traditions, and the wisdom of indigenous peoples across the earth, affirm that land is sacred, community is sacred, and the well-being of our neighbours is our responsibility."

The goal of IPPCJ and GTC Kenya in sending a delegate to the forum was to demonstrate that both faith and indigenous communities are not bystanders to unfolding urban and climate crises.

"We are front-line responders, community builders, and advocates for the most marginalised," explains June. "When a family has a solar panel that lights their home, when a community has clean water and green spaces, when children grow up in safety — these are acts of faith made visible."

Thank You to All Who Supported June's Journey

Green The Church is grateful to its donors as well as the hard work June and others put into attending. At WUF13, they made their voices heard, joining the chorus of concerned advocates who wish to see the world as a better, more welcoming place for all peoples, regardless of wealth, community, or culture.

By implementing solutions to decarbonize neighborhood anchors like churches, make communities more resilient to climate effects, and reduce our collective impact on local ecosystems, we can help ensure that people all across the globe are able to not only access housing but have self-determination in how we address unfolding crises.

Thank you again, Ms. June Bartuin, for representing both your community and Green The Church during this momentous event! We look forward to seeing you possibly attend WUF14 in 2028, which will be held in Mexico.

We appreciate her sharing her experiences with us, and we echo GTC Kenya's affirmation that we " will continue to stand at the intersection of faith, indigeneity, and justice — because we believe that God's will for this earth is wholeness, and we are called to be its instruments."

Your Support Makes Trips Like These Possible

Green The Church is on a mission to expand its impact both at home in the U.S. and internationally. June Bartuin’s trip was only made possible thanks to the support of donations from our partners, Revivalist members, and other contributors.

Reading June's story and proclamations from WUF13 demonstrates how our work can extend beyond borders when we get the support of others, at home and abroad. Please consider this impact and how your support helps make a difference within every corner of the planet.

To help support more work like this abroad, you can become a Revivalist Member to partner with Green The Church.