The objectives of the fifth session of the World Urban Forum (WUF) are to take stock of world stands with respect to the right to the city, to analyse beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries of the urbanisation process. This background paper is structured around six important domains covering taking forward the right to the city; bridging the urban divide-inclusive cities; equal access to shelter and basic urban services; cultural diversity in cities; governance and participation; sustainable urbanization-cities in a changing climate.