Jordanian media highlights significance of upcoming World Urban Forum 13 in Baku

Articles published across major Jordanian media outlets have drawn attention to the upcoming 13th World Urban Forum (WUF13), which will be held in World Urban Forum 13 in May in Baku.

According to reports carried by the Jordanian state news agency Petra, as well as leading newspapers including Al-Rai, Al-Dustur, and Al-Anbat, and online platforms such as Ammon News, Jordan Daily, Al-Balad, Johina News, NBNJO, and Cleopatra News, the forum is being presented as a major global platform for addressing contemporary urban challenges, Caliber.Az reports via local media. 

The publications emphasise that WUF13 will bring together policymakers, urban planners, experts, and representatives of city administrations from around the world to discuss pressing issues related to urban development. They highlight that rapid urbanization has led to significant challenges, including housing shortages, the expansion of informal settlements, infrastructure strain, and growing climate-related risks affecting cities worldwide.

This year’s forum will be held under the theme “Housing for All: Safe and Sustainable Cities”, with a focus on improving access to affordable housing, strengthening climate resilience, mobilizing financial resources, and promoting innovative approaches to urban planning.

The reports also note that the World Urban Forum, recognized as the United Nations’ leading global platform on sustainable urban development, facilitates dialogue among governments, municipalities, civil society, and other stakeholders. This year’s edition will include a first-ever Leaders’ Summit, bringing together heads of state and government.

Jordanian media further underline Azerbaijan’s role as host, noting that Azerbaijan aims to use the forum to showcase its urban development strategy, which seeks to balance modernisation with the preservation of historical heritage. Particular attention is also drawn to reconstruction and redevelopment initiatives in Karabakh and Eastern Zangazur, where sustainable and innovative planning approaches are being implemented.

Officials and reports cited in the coverage stress that WUF13 is expected to produce practical outcomes, expand financing opportunities for urban development, and contribute to shaping global policy on sustainable cities. Hosting the forum in Baku is presented as a reflection of Azerbaijan’s growing engagement in international urban development discussions.

By Sabina Mammadli