WUF13 to Position Baku as Global Hub for Urban Solutions, UN-Habitat Official Says
Baku, The Gulf Observer: The World Urban Forum (WUF13) is set to play a critical role in addressing complex global urban challenges, bringing together governments, communities, and investors to develop sustainable solutions, a senior UN-Habitat official said.
Speaking at the “WUF13 – Private Sector Briefing Session,” Anna Soave, Head of the UN-Habitat Country Programme in Azerbaijan, highlighted the urgency of urban issues, noting that more than 3 billion people worldwide continue to live in inadequate conditions.
She stressed that such challenges have far-reaching consequences, impacting both public health and the global economy.
“Cities must adapt to rapid transformations,” Soave said. “We need to recognize that cities are the main driving force behind a sustainable future. Hosting WUF13 is of special importance for Azerbaijan and positions Baku as a global hub.”
She also pointed to the growing scale and global interest in the forum, noting that WUF12 in Cairo attracted approximately 25,000 participants, while WUF11 recorded around 17,000 attendees.
According to Soave, Azerbaijan aims to significantly expand private sector participation in this year’s forum, underscoring the importance of business engagement in addressing urban development challenges.
She added that WUF13 will provide companies operating in Azerbaijan with a valuable platform to contribute to global solutions and collaborate on sustainable urban initiatives.
The forum is expected to further strengthen international cooperation and highlight innovative approaches to building inclusive, resilient, and sustainable cities worldwide.
