Adequate housing provision and the development of sustainable communities can only be achieved through shared responsibility, coordinated action, and strong international cooperation, according to the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) held in Baku.
Anar Guliyev, Chairman of the State Urban Planning and Architecture Committee and national coordinator for WUF13, made these remarks during the event's closing ceremony, Operative Information Center-OMM reports.
Guliyev emphasized that the forum in Baku demonstrated the necessity of solidarity and effective multilateral cooperation in addressing global urban challenges. "While WUF13 concludes, the partnerships strengthened, initiatives launched, and commitments reaffirmed here in Baku will continue beyond this forum. We hope these discussions and proposed solutions will translate into concrete actions, contributing to resolving housing and homelessness issues affecting 3.4 billion people worldwide. As highlighted in Article 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, housing is a human right that must be ensured for the well-being of all," he stated.
The World Urban Forum, established by the United Nations in 2001, is the premier global conference on sustainable urbanization. By hosting the 13th session, Azerbaijan continues to solidify its role as a regional hub for international dialogue on urban development and infrastructure. The event brings together government officials, urban planners, and civil society leaders to address the rapid challenges of global urbanization, aligning with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 11 regarding sustainable cities and communities.
