Expert: WUF13 in Baku bolsters South Caucasus’ global urbanisation role

The 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) taking place in Baku is reinforcing the South Caucasus region’s position in global urbanisation and sustainable development processes, according to a Georgian urban development expert.

Mamuka Salukvadze, Director of City Institute Georgia, said the forum is drawing increased international attention to the region and highlighting its growing relevance in addressing urban challenges, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

He said Azerbaijan’s ongoing large-scale infrastructure programmes, including the development of new cities, the expansion of transport systems, and the rollout of smart city initiatives, demonstrate the country’s emergence as a key regional player in urban development.

Salukvadze added that WUF13 is particularly important for Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Armenia, as the South Caucasus faces shared challenges linked to urban planning, climate change, and infrastructure modernisation, while also seeing new opportunities for regional cooperation.

“Such forums demonstrate the growing role of the South Caucasus in the global urbanisation process,” he said.

City Institute Georgia, which Salukvadze leads, is among the country’s early non-governmental organisations focused on sustainable urban development, spatial planning, and improving living standards.

By Aghakazim Guliyev