Azerbaijan launches first-ever WUF13 NGO Forum in Baku
The first-ever “WUF13 NGO Forum” in the history of the World Urban Forum (WUF) was held on 19 May 2026 at Azerbaijan’s initiative...
Top diplomats from Armenia and Azerbaijan will convene in Qatar this Saturday for a high-profile panel discussion aimed at cementing the peace process between the historic South Caucasus rivals.
Within the framework of the Doha Forum 2025, the event will feature a joint appearance by Armen Grigoryan, Secretary of the Security Council of Armenia, and Hikmet Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan. The discussion, scheduled for December 6, marks a continuing effort to normalise relations following the turbulent events of recent years.
Focus on the ‘Washington Agreement’
According to the forum’s official agenda, the session is titled “Armenia–Azerbaijan Lasting Peace: The Washington Agreement and a Shared Future.” The dialogue will centre on the practical steps arising from the Washington Agreement—a diplomatic framework that has evidently become central to the current detente between Yerevan and Baku.
The officials are expected to openly discuss the content of the agreement and the joint diplomatic efforts that led to its formation. Crucially, the conversation will look forward, addressing how the accord can contribute to wider regional stability, reconciliation, and the unlocking of new economic and cooperative opportunities in the South Caucasus.
A Rare Public Platform
While officials from both sides have met frequently in closed-door negotiations facilitated by Western and regional powers, sharing a public stage to discuss a "shared future" signals a shift in tone.
The panel will be moderated by David Hearst, co-founder and editor-in-chief of Middle East Eye. The session is scheduled to run from 13:00 to 13:30 (Yerevan time).
Context of the Conflict
This meeting comes against the backdrop of a complex road to peace. Following the 2020 war and Azerbaijan’s restoration of full sovereignty over the Karabakh region in 2023, the two nations have been engaged in protracted talks to delineate borders and open transport links. The reference to a "Washington Agreement" suggests a pivotal role played by U.S. mediation in finalising the terms of the current diplomatic architecture.
Earlier, Armen Grigoryan confirmed via social media that he would depart for Doha on a working visit on December 5 specifically to participate in this discussion with Mr Hajiyev, underscoring the high priority both administrations are placing on communicating the benefits of peace to the international community.
The World Urban Forum (WUF13) continues in Baku, Azerbaijan on 18 May, addressing the global housing crisis. The day’s agenda includes the official opening press conference, the WUF13 Urban Expo opening and a ministerial dialogue on the Nairobi Declaration to advance Africa's urban agenda.
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.
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