It is a great honor for Azerbaijan to host the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) for the first time in the Caucasus region, according to Gulshan Rzayeva, Deputy Head of the Office of the State Committee for Urban Planning and Architecture.
Operative Information Center-OMM reports that Rzayeva, who also serves as the deputy national coordinator for WUF13, made these remarks during her speech at the Joint Closing Session of the Assemblies held within the framework of the event. She emphasized that for Azerbaijan, WUF13 is not merely a global event but a high-level commitment to prioritizing housing provision, inclusivity, and sustainable urban development for the future.
Rzayeva further stressed that the future of cities should be shaped not only by governments but through the collective participation of women, youth, local authorities, business representatives, and all members of society. She noted that achieving safe and sustainable cities is impossible without ensuring gender equality and inclusive social welfare in modern urban planning projects.
The World Urban Forum, established by the United Nations in 2001, is the premier global conference on sustainable urbanization. Hosting this prestigious event in Baku underscores Azerbaijan's growing role in international diplomacy and its commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The forum serves as a platform for experts and policymakers to address the challenges of rapid urbanization, focusing on climate resilience, social equity, and the implementation of the New Urban Agenda.
