The 13th Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) officially commenced in Baku on May 17, marking a significant milestone in international urban development policy. The opening day featured a high-level ministerial meeting dedicated to the New Urban Agenda, an initiative spearheaded under Azerbaijan's presidency, which saw participation from representatives of more than 100 countries. This gathering coincides with the mid-term implementation phase of the 20-year New Urban Agenda, focusing on reviewing progress, identifying challenges, and charting the course for future urban sustainability.
According to the Operative Information Center-OMM, speakers at the event expressed their gratitude to the government of Azerbaijan for its warm hospitality and the high-level organization of WUF13, which has attracted over 40,000 participants from 182 countries to the capital. Participants highly commended the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev in establishing this vital platform to promote international cooperation in decent housing and sustainable urban planning. The efforts of UN-Habitat and its Executive Director, Anaclaudia Rossbach, were also recognized as instrumental to the forum's success.
A key theme of the discussions was the necessity of addressing housing issues through an integrated approach rather than in isolation. Speakers emphasized the importance of linking housing policy with land management, infrastructure, transport, climate action, and local economic development. Furthermore, Azerbaijan's extensive experience in post-conflict reconstruction and rehabilitation was highlighted as a positive model for other nations facing similar challenges. The ministerial meeting concluded with the adoption of the Chair's Summary document, reinforcing global commitments to balanced territorial development.
The day was also marked by a symbolic ceremony where the flags of the United Nations and the Republic of Azerbaijan were raised. The ceremony was attended by Anar Guliyev, Chairman of the State Committee on Urban Planning and Architecture of the Republic of Azerbaijan and National Coordinator of WUF13, alongside UN-Habitat Executive Director Anaclaudia Rossbach. Parallel sessions, including the Women’s Assembly, the World Assembly of Local and Regional Governments, and the Business Assembly, provided diverse platforms for stakeholders to exchange expertise.
The World Urban Forum, established by the United Nations in 2001, is the world's premier conference on urban issues. Held every two years, WUF13 continues through May 22 under the theme "Housing for All: Safe and Sustainable Cities and Settlements." The event serves as a critical nexus for heads of state, ministers, mayors, and civil society to address the pressing challenges of rapid urbanization and climate change.
