The World Urban Forum 13 in Baku brought together global urban leaders to discuss how cities are adapting to climate pressures, digital transformation and inequality. While the discussions were ambitious, the real test remains whether these ideas will translate into practical urban change.
Abdelrahman Ghalib Alzou’bi, an urban planner speaking to AnewZ, said urban resilience is now central to global development discussions.
“WUF is really targeting one of the main themes, which is housing and how it is connected to urban resilience and climate,” he noted.
Housing affordability and inclusive urban growth were also key themes, with a focus on balancing modernisation with social equity. Alzou’bi stressed that cities must function as inclusive spaces for all communities.
Smart cities and digital transformation
Digital transformation and smart city systems emerged as key themes of the forum. Experts discussed how AI, digital governance, and smart mobility are reshaping urban management and public services.
The analyst said digital transformation has become unavoidable in modern city planning.
“It is now shaping the dialogue in urban development agendas across institutions and municipalities,” he said.
Housing affordability and inclusive urban growth were also central topics, with emphasis on balancing modernisation with social equity.
Alzou’bi also highlighted the importance of inclusion in urban design when he said, “Cities must be blending spaces where all communities come together,”.
The forum also emphasised the importance of international collaboration in solving urban challenges. However, experts underlined the need to localise global discussions.
Alzou’bi explained that initiatives like the Arab European and Arab Asian cities dialogues aim to strengthen regional cooperation.
“We want to bring the dialogue closer to local priorities and connect cities, mayors, and development actors in a more targeted way,” he said.
Financing and public-private partnerships were identified as critical tools for future urban development.
Alzou’bi said future cities will depend on more collaborative funding models involving governments and international partners.
As WUF13 concluded in Baku, participants emphasised that its success will ultimately depend on implementation, particularly as the world approaches the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
West Africa's Al Qaeda affiliate, Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM), has claimed responsibility for a series of attacks on military position...
President Donald Trump said Iran is keen to reach a deal with the United States, claiming Washington had paused engagement to allow funeral ceremonies...
Morocco booked their place in the World Cup quarter-finals with a convincing 3-0 victory over Canada, ending the co-host's historic run in the tourna...
Kyrgyzstan’s ex-second in command, Kamchybek Tashiev, has been convicted of plotting to overthrow the country’s President Sadyr Japarov. Tashiev a...
Russia's Defence Ministry has said its forces are clearing the town of Lyman in Donetsk of Ukrainian forces, Moscow's state news agency Tass reported...
Azerbaijan continues to host a series of high-profile global events, including COP29, the World Urban Forum and upcoming World Environment Day activities, positioning itself at the centre of international climate discussions.
As the 13th edition of the World Urban Forum ended, Azerbaijan's Pavilion showcased reconstruction efforts in its liberated territories and foregrounded the importance of mine removal in resettlement efforts.
The 13th session of the World Urban Forum in Baku concluded with a high-level Women’s Roundtable focused on advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment in housing and urban development.
Officials and urban development experts at WUF13 in Baku examined how conflict, displacement and climate disasters are intensifying the global housing crisis and placing increasing pressure on cities worldwide.
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has raised its forecast for the rapid emergence of a strong El Niño, warning the climate pattern is likely to drive higher global temperatures and intensify extreme weather in the months ahead.
India is investigating a data breach at Tata Electronics that exposed sensitive documents linked to Apple's unreleased iPhone 18 Pro, marking the government's first public comments on the incident.
International politicians and religious leaders have paid respects to Iran's late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei throughout the day, ahead of his six day funeral ceremony which begins on Saturday. His casket is currently on display at the Iman Khomeini Grand Mosalla in Tehran.
Germany has requested urgent talks with China's ambassador following reports that Chinese authorities trained Russian soldiers, adding fresh strain to relations between Beijing and Europe amid the war in Ukraine.
President Donald Trump said Iran is keen to reach a deal with the United States, claiming Washington had paused engagement to allow funeral ceremonies for late Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Kyrgyzstan’s ex-second in command, Kamchybek Tashiev, has been convicted of plotting to overthrow the country’s President Sadyr Japarov. Tashiev and Japarov had ruled the Central Asian nation in tandem since 2020, until the former was unexpectedly ousted in February.
Uzbekistan will open an embassy in Georgia, the Central Asian country’s presidency has said. The announcement follows talks between Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze in Tbilisi.
Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets of the eastern German city of Erfurt on Saturday as the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) opened its annual party conference, where delegates voted to keep Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla as the party's co-leaders.
Armenia's parliament has passed a new law raising the requirements for citizens living abroad to vote in national elections, following concerns over alleged efforts to influence last month's parliamentary vote through Armenian citizens residing in Russia.
International politicians and religious leaders have paid respects to Iran's late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei throughout the day, ahead of his six day funeral ceremony which begins on Saturday. His casket is currently on display at the Iman Khomeini Grand Mosalla in Tehran.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment