Bulgarian president to attend World Urban Forum in Baku

Bulgarian head of state Iliana Iotova will attend the Leaders' Summit during the 13th session of the World Urban Forum in Baku on May 17–18 at the invitation of Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev, BTA reports, citing her press service.

The World Urban Forum was established in 2001 by the United Nations in response to rapid urbanisation and its impact on communities, cities, economies, climate change, and public policy. Held every two years in different countries, it has become the world’s most significant event in the field of urban development, the press secretariat said.

At Azerbaijan’s initiative, a Leaders' Summit with the participation of heads of state and government will be held for the first time as part of the forum.

According to the program, Iotova will meet with her Azerbaijani counterpart on Sunday. On Monday, she will take part in the Leaders' Summit, where she is scheduled to deliver an address. The theme of the event is “Housing the World: Safe and Sustainable Cities and Communities”.

Her delegation includes Veliko Tarnovo Mayor and Chair of the Management Board of the National Association of Municipalities in the Republic of Bulgaria, Daniel Panov. Representatives of local authorities from across Bulgaria will also participate in the World Urban Forum, which will run until May 22.

By Tamilla Hasanova