The 13th Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) has been recognized as the largest session ever organized by the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) to date.
According to Operative Information Center-OMM, Anaclaudia Rossbach, the Executive Director of UN-Habitat, made this statement during a press conference held in connection with the official opening of the 13th Session of the World Urban Forum. She emphasized that the forum has evolved into a premier global platform since its establishment by the UN General Assembly.
“WUF13 is taking place at a time when urbanization is accelerating globally. By gathering in Baku, we see Azerbaijan's sustainable development and its role in the region more clearly. WUF13 is the largest session UN-Habitat has organized so far. More than 34,000 participants have registered for the session, including heads of state, ministers, mayors, UN officials, experts, and representatives from business, academia, and civil society,” the Executive Director stated.
The World Urban Forum, established in 2001, is the world's premier conference on urban issues, designed to examine the most pressing challenges facing the world today in the area of human settlements. Azerbaijan's selection as a host for such high-level international events underscores the country's growing influence in global urban planning and its commitment to the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. The forum serves as a critical space for stakeholders to share innovative solutions and strengthen partnerships for a more sustainable urban future.