Kabul hosts diplomatic gathering ahead of World Urban Forum in Baku

Representatives from the diplomatic community, the United Nations and international organisations gathered in Kabul on Wednesday ahead of the 13th World Urban Forum (WUF13), set to take place in Baku from 17 to 22 May.

The event, hosted by UN-Habitat Afghanistan and the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Kabul, focused on strengthening resilient cities and communities across Afghanistan.

In a statement shared on X, UN-Habitat Afghanistan said diplomats, UN representatives and international organisations “welcomed discussions highlighting how investments in cities and communities can protect lives, strengthen resilience, and create opportunities”.

The organisation added that the discussions were held “towards resilient cities and communities in Afghanistan.”

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Exhibition and panel discussions in Kabul

The Azerbaijani Embassy in Kabul said an “exhibition-conference” was held at the Kabul Grand Hotel, where participants were shown a short video introducing WUF13 in Baku.

According to the embassy, panel discussions focused on “the importance of investment in sustainable urbanisation”, while the event also included a photo exhibition.

The Embassy of Turkmenistan in Kabul said heads of diplomatic missions and international organisations accredited to Afghanistan attended the gathering.

Regional cooperation and urban development

Turkmenistan’s Ambassador to Kabul, Hojambyrdi Ovezov, presented the country’s cooperation with UN-Habitat and outlined initiatives aimed at improving urban infrastructure and developing sustainable societies, according to the embassy.

Participants were also briefed on the city of Arkadag in Turkmenistan, where digital and green technologies are being introduced into public infrastructure and services.

The World Urban Forum, organised by UN-Habitat, is considered one of the world’s leading international gatherings on sustainable urban development.

This year’s forum in Baku is expected to bring together government officials, urban planners, development agencies and international organisations to discuss housing, climate resilience and sustainable cities.

There has been no official confirmation of the level of Afghanistan’s participation or whether senior Afghan officials will attend the forum in Azerbaijan.

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