Azerbaijan, UN-Habitat deepen cooperation ahead of World Urban Forum in Baku PHOTO

On the sidelines of the Second World Summit for Social Development, the Chairman of Azerbaijan’s State Committee on Urban Planning and Architecture, Anar Guliyev, met with the Anacláudia Rossbach, Executive Director of the United Nations Human Settlements Program (UN-Habitat), to discuss new opportunities for partnership and Azerbaijan’s growing role in promoting inclusive housing policies ahead of the World Urban Forum (WUF13), set to take place in Baku.

The meeting focused on exploring new avenues for cooperation that have emerged following Azerbaijan’s election as Co-Chair of the Intergovernmental Working Group of UN-Habitat on “Adequate Housing for All,” Caliber.Az reports, citing the Committee.

During the discussions, Anar Guliyev highlighted the importance of deepening the partnership with UN-Habitat in the lead-up to the 13th World Urban Forum (WUF13), scheduled to take place in Baku in May 2026. He underscored Azerbaijan’s commitment to advancing global dialogue on affordable housing, climate-resilient cities, and inclusive urban development.

In addition, Guliyev delivered remarks during the session titled “Affordable Housing as a Foundation for Social Development”, stressing that housing policy plays a vital role in ensuring social well-being and promoting inclusive growth.

The meeting also emphasized that Azerbaijan’s national housing policy positions housing as a cornerstone of inclusive development and social stability. Among its top priorities is the gradual return of internally displaced persons to Karabakh and East Zangazur, alongside efforts to create sustainable, livable urban environments.

Azerbaijan’s recent election as Co-Chair of the UN Intergovernmental Working Group tasked with implementing the UN-Habitat Assembly resolution “Adequate Housing for All” further strengthens the country’s role in shaping global housing policy. Azerbaijan will continue contributing actively to the promotion of equitable, sustainable, and forward-looking urban development.

Looking ahead, the World Urban Forum (WUF13) — to be held in Baku from May 17 to 22, 2026 — will provide a key international platform for advancing these discussions.

Concluding his remarks, Anar Guliyev extended an invitation to all partners and nations to participate in this landmark event, which will convene under the motto: “Housing for All: Safe and Sustainable Cities and Human Settlements.”

By Vafa Guliyeva