Azerbaijan Expects Strong Outcomes from 13th UN World Urban Forum in Baku

Baku, The Gulf Observer: Azerbaijan has expressed high expectations for the 13th Session of the United Nations World Urban Forum (WUF13), with officials emphasizing the growing urgency of international cooperation to address global urban challenges.

Speaking to journalists in Baku, Anar Guliyev, National Coordinator of WUF13, welcomed participants to the forum and the accompanying ministerial meeting, describing the discussions as timely and significant amid increasing pressures on cities worldwide.

“It’s my honor to welcome you to Baku to the 13th session of the World Urban Forum and to this ministerial meeting. At the time of growing urban challenges this discussion is particularly timely and important,” Guliyev said.

He noted that hosting WUF13 is both “a privilege and a profound responsibility” for Azerbaijan, adding that the forum marks ten years since the adoption of the New Urban Agenda and represents the midpoint of its implementation process.

Guliyev highlighted that cities across the globe are facing mounting challenges, including rapid urbanization, housing shortages, climate risks, and post-conflict recovery issues, stressing that stronger international collaboration and practical solutions are urgently needed.

“As cities around the world face the growing pressure from rapid urbanization and housing shortages to climate risk and post-conflict recovery, the need for stronger international cooperation and practical solutions has never been greater,” he stated.

According to the Azerbaijani official, WUF13 is not only an opportunity for reflection but also a platform for renewed action under the New Urban Agenda, which was adopted in 2016 with a focus on inclusion, resilience, prosperity, and environmental responsibility.

He emphasized that housing remains central to sustainable urban development, describing it as a matter that goes beyond social policy.

“Housing is not only a social issue, it is an economic issue, a climate issue, a development issue and fundamentally a matter of human dignity,” Guliyev said, adding that housing directly impacts access to education, healthcare, livelihoods, and economic opportunities.

Guliyev further underlined the importance of keeping housing policy at the core of decision-making within the framework of the New Urban Agenda.

Addressing delegates attending the ministerial meeting, he described the segment as one of the key high-level components of the World Urban Forum, noting that it has become a trusted global platform for dialogue on housing and sustainable urban development.

He added that the ministerial segment at WUF13 had been redesigned into a more interactive and outcome-oriented format, enabling participating countries to exchange practical solutions, best practices, and strategies for strengthening collective action.

Special attention was also drawn to the upcoming review of the New Urban Agenda, scheduled to take place in New York in July this year.

“The chair summary from today’s meeting will serve as an important input to that process and to the broader mid-term review of the new urban agenda,” Guliyev noted.

Concluding his remarks, the WUF13 National Coordinator stressed that implementation must remain the primary focus beyond declarations and reports.

“Let us use this moment at WUF not only to reflect, but to recommit to stronger partnerships, stronger institutions and stronger delivery for people everywhere,” he said.

Guliyev also expressed confidence that participants would enjoy both the discussions and the hospitality of the Azerbaijani people during their stay in Baku.