A call has been issued to world parliaments in connection with the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13), which is set to be hosted by Azerbaijan. Operative Information Center-OMM reports that on January 30, an event titled "The Role of Parliaments in Sustainable Urban Development and the Promotion of Sustainable Urbanization" was held for the first time, featuring 32 parliamentarians from 30 countries to discuss Azerbaijan's urbanization experience and the upcoming WUF13.
The primary objective of the event was to contribute to the promotion of parliamentary diplomacy within the framework of WUF13. The gathering was organized through the initiative of Member of Parliament Parvana Valiyeva, a member of the Global Parliamentary Academy (GCAP), in cooperation with the State Committee on Urban Planning and Architecture – "WUF13 Azerbaijan." Representatives from UN-Habitat and other specialized UN agencies also participated in the discussions. During the session, Gulshan Rzayeva, Deputy Chief of Staff of the State Committee on Urban Planning and Architecture and Deputy National Coordinator for WUF13, delivered a presentation on Azerbaijan's urban planning practices and the preparation process for the forum, emphasizing the vital role of legislation and parliamentary diplomacy.
At the conclusion of the discussions, foreign deputies highly praised Azerbaijan's hosting of WUF13 and addressed a joint appeal to the National Coordinator. The appeal noted that global challenges such as rapid urbanization, climate risks, and housing crises require coordinated political leadership and robust legislation. Parliaments were called upon to integrate sustainable urban development into national strategies and to strengthen inclusive and climate-resilient urban policies. The appeal was supported unanimously.
The World Urban Forum, established by the United Nations in 2001, is the premier global conference on sustainable urbanization. It examines the most pressing issues facing the world today, including rapid urbanization and its impact on communities, cities, economies, climate change, and policies. Hosting WUF13 in Azerbaijan underscores the country's growing international reputation and its commitment to implementing the New Urban Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals. The 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) is scheduled to take place in Azerbaijan in May of this year.
