President Aliyev’s official pages publish WUF13 opening ceremony video

A video capturing the opening ceremony of the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku has been published on the official social media accounts of President Ilham Aliyev, offering a glimpse into one of the most significant global urban development events of the year.

Caliber.Az presents the publication.

The forum officially opened on May 17 at the Baku Olympic Stadium, marking the start of a major international gathering that will run through May 22. Jointly organised by UN-Habitat and the Government of Azerbaijan, WUF13 has turned Baku into a central hub for global dialogue on the future of cities.

This year’s forum has set a historic record, with more than 40,000 participants from 182 countries registered, underscoring both the growing influence of the platform and the strong international interest in Azerbaijan as a host nation.

The event places particular emphasis on Azerbaijan’s large-scale reconstruction and urban development efforts in Karabakh and East Zangazur. These projects are being presented as part of the country’s broader vision for sustainable urbanization, drawing attention from international experts, policymakers, and stakeholders.

Beyond its thematic agenda, WUF13 also highlights Azerbaijan’s increasing capacity to host major international events and its expanding role in global cooperation platforms. The forum’s presence in Baku not only enhances the country’s international standing but also provides an opportunity to showcase its policies and achievements in sustainable development and modern urban planning to a worldwide audience.

By Tamilla Hasanova