UN praises Azerbaijan for “massive success” hosting World Urban Forum in Baku

UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed has thanked Azerbaijan for successfully hosting the 13th World Urban Forum (WUF13), describing the event as a “massive success” despite ongoing geopolitical tensions and global conflicts.

Speaking at the closing press conference in Baku on May 22, Mohammed said the forum had reaffirmed its role as the leading global platform on sustainable urban development and human settlements, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

“It is important not to underestimate this massive success, given the geopolitical tensions, turbulence, and conflicts that occupy much of our leaders' attention,” she said.

She added that the gathering had once again demonstrated the importance of coordinated international action on urbanisation, bringing together a wide range of stakeholders, including governments, civil society, the private sector, indigenous communities, climate activists, academics, development banks, youth and women’s organisations, and UN agencies.

According to Mohammed, under the leadership of UN-Habitat Executive Director Anacláudia Rossbach, the forum continues to serve as a central platform for shaping what she called a “shared urban future”.

She said participants were leaving Baku with renewed determination to advance inclusive and sustainable cities built around dignity, resilience and cooperation.