Official: Azerbaijan’s role in WUF13 underscores global focus on urban development

The 13th Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) is significant not only for Azerbaijan but for all countries, according to Anar Guliyev, Chairman of the State Committee for Urban Planning and Architecture, who spoke at a press conference marking the opening ceremony in Baku.

Guliyev said the forum brings together a wide range of stakeholders and builds on Azerbaijan’s ongoing efforts to promote dialogue on sustainable urbanisation, Caliber.Az reports via local media. 

"Since 2021, Azerbaijan has actively organised National Urban Forums, creating a vital national platform for dialogue on sustainable urbanization. These forums have united different partners of society to discuss the future of our cities and settlements. They helped us strengthen national coordination, set priorities, exchange experiences, and align our policies with the principles of the New Urban Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals," he said. 

He emphasised that hosting WUF13 represents both a major responsibility and a strong sign of international trust from the global community and UN-Habitat.

"We deeply value the partnership and close cooperation that made WUF13 possible. Our collaboration is built on shared values: sustainability, inclusivity, resilience, and the belief that cities must serve people first and foremost," the chairman said.

By Sabina Mammadli