WUF13 in Baku highlights public-private cooperation on sustainable urban development
The World Urban Forum 13 (WUF13) in Baku has placed a strong emphasis on strengthening cooperation between the pub...
President Trump has announced the United States will once again withdraw from The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), claiming the organisation no longer serves American interests. The move, echoing a similar decision during his first term, reignites concerns over Washington’s retreat from global cooperation. The State Department says the decision will take effect by the end of next year and cited “globalist ideology” and anti-Israel bias within UNESCO as key reasons.
In a separate development, Trump has accused a former president—Barack Obama—of treason, alleging a conspiracy to sabotage his 2016 campaign by fabricating ties to Russia. The claim comes without formal evidence and follows a statement from Trump’s intelligence chief, Tulsi Gabbard, referencing so-called declassified documents. However, official CIA and Senate findings contradict those assertions.
Critics argue the accusation may be a political smokescreen, especially as Trump faces pressure from his base to release files related to Jeffrey Epstein. The episode marks the most direct attack on Obama since Trump returned to office.
Our correspondent Nick Harper reports from Washington, and U.S. correspondent Oubai Shahbandar joins Guy Shone in studio for analysis.
United Nations World Urban Forum 13 continues in Baku, Azerbaijan on 19 May with sessions and roundtable discussions focused on strengthening dialogue and advancing cooperation in urban development. Organisers say there are nearly 3 billion people globally who face some form of housing inadequacy.
Azerbaijan and Georgia have agreed to resume daily passenger train services on the Baku-Tbilisi-Baku route from 26 May, 2026, marking a major step in restoring regional rail connectivity after services were suspended in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Day four of the World Urban Forum (WUF) in Baku brings a packed agenda on sustainable cities and the global housing crisis, with sessions on green housing, smart cities, public spaces and urban rights taking place on Wednesday (20 May) at Baku Olympic Stadium in Azerbaijan.
Russia’s ambassador to the United Nations Vasily Nebenzya warned on Tuesday (19 May) that Moscow could retaliate against Baltic states if Ukraine launches military drones from that region. Latvia, the United States and Ukraine responded strongly during a UN Security Council meeting.
Russia is considering the possibility of joint projects with the United States and China, Kirill Dmitriev, Head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, (Russia's sovereign wealth fund), was quoted as saying by state media on Wednesday.
In a special edition of Context, Orkhan Amashov reports from Washington on the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace, examining plans for Gaza’s reconstruction, a proposed stabilisation force, and the wider diplomatic impact of the U.S.-led initiative.
Here are the latest stories from AnewZ’s Africa News programme, focusing on political and security developments across the African continent.
Here are the latest stories from AnewZ’s Africa News programme, focusing on political and security developments across the African continent.
The following story summaries are from AnewZ’s Africa News programme, focusing on political and security developments across Africa and beyond.
In today’s Prime Time, we covered the following conversations: Azerbaijan has shipped petroleum products to Armenia by rail for the first time in decades, marking a significant step toward economic cooperation and regional integration in the South Caucasus.
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