Global parliamentarians unite for sustainable cities ahead of WUF13 in Baku photo

On January 30, an international gathering of parliamentarians convened to discuss the role of legislatures in advancing resilient cities and promoting sustainable urban development, in connection with the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13).

The event brought together 32 parliamentarians from 30 countries and highlighted Azerbaijan’s urban development experience as a model for global practices, according to local media reports.

The session, titled “Role of Parliaments in Advancing Resilient Cities and Promoting Sustainable Urban Development,” was organised by Azerbaijani MP Parvana Valiyeva, a member of the Global Parliamentary Academy (GCAP), in collaboration with the State Committee for Urban Planning and Architecture – WUF13 Azerbaijan. Representatives from UN-Habitat and two other UN agencies also participated.

Opening the session, MP Parvana Valiyeva expressed gratitude to international colleagues for supporting the initiative and attending the WUF13-focused event. The Minister of Environment, Rural Modernization and Kalinago Upliftment of Dominica, Cozier Frederick, emphasised the urbanisation challenges facing small island states and the critical role of legislation in creating safe and sustainable cities.

Gulshan Rzayeva, Deputy National Coordinator of WUF13, presented Azerbaijan’s urban development achievements and preparations for the forum. Anna Soave, Head of the UN-Habitat Country Programme, highlighted the importance of legislation in modern urban planning and the value of parliamentary diplomacy in global urban platforms.

During discussions, parliamentarians lauded Azerbaijan’s hosting of WUF13 and called for urgent legislative action. They unanimously adopted a call to action addressed to the WUF13 National Coordinator, which stated:

"As parliamentarians from 30 countries, we recognise that cities stand at the centre of today's most pressing global challenges—and at the heart of their solutions. Rapid urbanisation, climate risks, inequality, displacement, and the escalating global housing crisis demand coordinated political leadership, legislative action, and sustained investment.

We issue this Call ahead of the Thirteenth Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) to be held on May 17–22 in Baku, Azerbaijan.

We recognise housing as a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of social stability. In response to the global housing crisis affecting billions worldwide, we call upon the development of affordable, adequate, and resilient housing solutions, particularly for low-income groups, women, youth, migrants, and displaced people; Legislative frameworks that support social housing, inclusive zoning, and responsible urban land governance.

We reaffirm that parliaments play a decisive role in translating global urban commitments into national laws, policies, and financing, engaging local authorities, civil society, the private sector, and communities in inclusive urban decision-making.

We call on parliaments worldwide to integrate sustainable urban development into national development strategies, climate policies, and budgetary frameworks; strengthen legislative support for climate-resilient, inclusive, and people-centred cities, aligned with the New Urban Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals; promote urban policies that prioritise equitable access to services, mobility, green spaces, and basic infrastructure.

We underline the importance of global platforms for dialogue and cooperation, including the World Urban Forum, as spaces where best practices are shared and partnerships are built across regions and political systems.

We express our strong support for the Republic of Azerbaijan in its role as host of WUF13. We welcome Azerbaijan's commitment to advancing a global dialogue on sustainable urbanisation and its efforts to position cities as drivers of resilience, peace, and inclusive development."

The call was adopted unanimously. Parliamentarians remain key stakeholders in global urban forums, ensuring that legislative frameworks advance sustainable and inclusive urban development worldwide.

By Tamilla Hasanova