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.
Speaking at the 13th World Urban Forum (WUF13), Aziz Arkabayev of Uzbekistan’s National Committee on Urbanization said large-scale urban development projects are underway, including the “New Uzbekistan” initiative aimed at housing around two million people.
“WUF13 holds great significance for exchanging experiences regarding housing provision, urbanization policy, and city development methodology,” he said, adding that improving living conditions remains the main goal of the forum.
Arkabayev noted that Azerbaijani firms are participating in the construction of residential buildings, hotels and large complexes across Uzbekistan.
Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing, speaking on behalf of President Xi Jinping at the World Urban Forum in Baku, has called for stronger international cooperation to address the risks linked to rapid urbanisation.
He conveyed President Xi’s greetings to Azerbaijan and wished success to the 13th session of the forum, describing it as an important platform for global dialogue on cities.
“Let’s join forces to tackle urban planning threats and form a global urban community, creating a shared future for humanity,” he said, urging coordinated efforts to manage urban development challenges.
Georgian Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili has praised the organisation of the 13th World Urban Forum in Baku, saying the event is being held “at an excellent level”.
Speaking to journalists, she said Georgia’s high-level representation at the forum, including the presence of the prime minister, is important for discussing urban planning priorities and showcasing national progress in the sector.
She added that meetings and agreements reached in Baku are expected to deepen strategic cooperation between Georgia and Azerbaijan. Botchorishvili also said this collaboration could further strengthen Georgia’s transit potential and broader regional connectivity.
UN-Habitat chief Anacláudia Rossbach has called for cities that balance human needs with environmental protection, speaking at the World Urban Forum in Baku.
She said urban residents must be treated with greater respect, with access to essential services ensured beyond market mechanisms alone.
“We hope settlements will be suitable for both people and nature,” she said, adding that UN-Habitat looks forward to the next forum in Mexico City in 2028.
“Ukraine and Azerbaijan understand the value of sustainability, strong infrastructure and modern urban development. Because Ukraine is facing a full-scale war that has been going on for more than four years,” said Oleksii Kuleba, Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine, at the WUF13 Leaders` Summit.
He noted that the housing crisis has become a huge social problem worldwide. “Therefore, I express my gratitude to Azerbaijan and the UN Habitat for Humanity, which are hosting WUF13. And holding the discussions in Baku is very important for us," the Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine underlined.
“I would like to thank the Government of Azerbaijan and President Ilham Aliyev for the high-level organisation of WUF13 and their hospitality. Baku is an ideal venue for this important global dialogue,” said Igor Sergeyenko, Chairman of the House of Representatives of the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus, at the WUF13 Leaders’ Summit.
Noting that the theme of this year’s Forum stands out as one of today’s key priorities, he emphasised that urban planning, social infrastructure development, and ecological balance require an integrated approach.
“I wish success to WUF13 and all participants. I am confident the Baku platform will help make our cities safer, more inclusive, and ensure a prosperous future for generations,” Igor Sergeyenko concluded.
President of Kenya William Samoei Ruto made these remarks during WUF13 summit.
"The first World Urban Forum was held in Nairobi, Kenya, in 2002. Last month, we again hosted the African Urban Forum in Nairobi. Today, we are in Baku, Azerbaijan, attending the 13th World Urban Forum in this remarkable country. I would like to take this opportunity to thank President Ilham Aliyev for his hospitality."
He described the event as highly results-oriented, noting that the housing issue is a challenge present in nearly every country.
Ruto also stressed that reforms are essential for the United Nations to remain effective and relevant, saying that anomalies within the system must be addressed. He called for greater fairness and justice, including improved representation, democracy, and stronger rights for Africa within the UN and particularly the UN Security Council.
He added that such reforms would enable the international community to better address current challenges and shape a more sustainable future. He said that in Baku, participants have the opportunity to discuss how to transform cities into more liveable, resilient and sustainable spaces for all.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić made these remarks during the leaders’ statements at the 13th Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13).
“I would like to thank President Ilham Aliyev, my dear friend, for the outstanding hospitality, the warm welcome in Baku, and for hosting such an unforgettable event. Every time I come to Baku, I witness major transformation and progress, as well as what the people of Azerbaijan and President Ilham Aliyev have achieved together for their country. Your determination, resolve, and President Ilham Aliyev’s commitment to his people are the driving force behind this remarkable progress.”
Vučić thanked Azerbaijan for hosting WUF13 and for organising innovative initiatives at summit level for the first time. He stressed that this truly helps unlock the full potential of the World Urban Forum. He added that it was no coincidence that this exceptional country on the shores of the Caspian Sea was hosting a forum dedicated to addressing urbanisation and city-planning challenges.
The Serbian president also highlighted that ensuring accessible and safe housing for all requires the involvement of businesses, non-governmental organisations, governments and private institutions. Vučić noted that thousands of people had gathered in Baku to discuss the future of cities and jointly examine the challenges they face.
"I am inspired by an Azerbaijani proverb that expresses the essence of our work: 'Drop by drop a lake is formed' (Dama-dama göl olar). Let us turn this wisdom into a metaphor for our shared purpose," said Nga Kor Ming, President of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) Assembly, during the opening ceremony.
Speaking exclusively to AnewZ, he said a lack of political will remains the biggest obstacle to addressing the global housing affordability crisis, adding that real progress depends on implementing policies and delivering results.
President Ilham Aliyev also spoke about the "White City" and “Sea Breeze” projects during the opening ceremony.
Recalling that the area was previously called “Black City” due to pollution, he said: “Now we have created the White City- an example of modern urban planning.”
He highlighted “Sea Breeze” as another example of urban development and recommended that guests visit the seaside location.
Speaking about Baku’s historical development, Aliyev noted that the city was the first in the world where oil was produced in 1846.
"If I mention areas of Baku such as Black City, Bibiheybat, and Boyukshor, which may not mean much to foreign visitors, if you compare how these places looked 20 years ago with how they look today, you will see what has been achieved in creating an environmentally friendly urban space in Baku,” he said.
President of the UN General Assembly Annalena Baerbock said in a video message to the opening session of the 13th World Urban Forum (WUF13) that the gathering comes at a pivotal moment.
"Adequate, safe and affordable housing for all is a basic human right and a cornerstone of dignity, health, security and opportunity. Yet, that foundation remains out of reach for vast numbers of people across the world.
More than 1.1 billion people continue to live in informal settlements or slums, while over 300 million are without a home. The impact goes well beyond housing itself: when people lack safe shelter, health outcomes worsen, education is disrupted, personal security is undermined, inequalities widen and communities become increasingly exposed to climate-related shocks and disasters."
She said the forum provides an important opportunity to intensify global efforts to address the housing crisis, while also linking it to the wider challenges of sustainable urban development.
"I extend my greetings to the 13th Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) being held in Baku. You are meeting at a time of global crises, conflicts, rising energy costs, and increasing food prices."
UN Secretary-General António Guterres made these remarks in a video message to participants during the opening ceremony of WUF13 in Baku.
He stressed that today’s agenda focuses on the less discussed global housing crisis, adding:
"Housing is a human right and fundamental to human dignity. The World Urban Forum will be a catalyst for turning those goals into reality," the UN Secretary-General emphasised.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and UN-Habitat Executive Director Anacláudia Rossbach welcomed heads of state, government, and delegation leaders participating in the session.
The welcoming ceremony was followed by the taking of a family photo.
In his speech at the opening ceremony, President Aliyev said there is a record number of registered participants at WUF13.
“So this is the second biggest international event ever held in Azerbaijan after COP29, which was held one year and a half ago,” he noted.
Aliyev also said that this year has been declared the “Year of Urban Planning and Architecture” in Azerbaijan.
The second day of the 13th Session of the United Nations World Urban Forum (WUF13) continues with various events.
“WUF13, the 13th session of the United Nations World Urban Forum, is the largest session ever held by UN-Habitat,” said Anacláudia Rossbach, Executive Director of UN-Habitat, “with more than 34,000 registered participants, including world leaders, ministers, mayors, UN officials, experts, and representatives of business, academia, and civil society,” she added.
“The 20-year period set for the implementation of the New Urban Agenda has already reached its midpoint, and the implementation of the goals set for 2036 must be ensured,” said Nga Kor Ming, President of the United Nations Habitat Assembly (UN-Habitat).
“As we return to our countries after the forum, we must pay greater attention to the construction of homes that meet people’s needs, while ensuring connectivity and quality of life,” he noted.
The inauguration of the Urban Expo exhibition was held as part of the 13th World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku.
The opening ceremony was attended by Anar Guliyev, Chairman of the State Committee for Urban Planning and Architecture and National Coordinator of WUF13, alongside Anacláudia Rossbach, Executive Director of UN-Habitat.
They jointly performed the ribbon-cutting ceremony, officially launching the exhibition.
The 3.5-hectare “Urban Expo” exhibition brings together more than 217 organisations from 66 countries. It provides a dynamic platform for governments, civil society, academia, international organisations.
“The reconstruction work carried out in the liberated territories of Azerbaijan is based on the principles of sustainability, the "smart city" approach, green development, and human dignity,” said Anar Guliyev, the National Coordinator of the World Urban Forum (WUF13).
He stated that the destroyed cities and villages in Azerbaijan are being rebuilt in accordance with modern urbanisation principles.
"The forum also draws great interest in terms of the number of participants. By 17 May, 42,367 people from 182 countries had registered to participate in the event. On the first day of the forum, 17 May, the number of participants reached 21,108," Anar Guliyev emphasised.
“Today, approximately 3 billion people worldwide live in inadequate housing conditions. More than 1 billion people reside in slums, while more than 300 million people face homelessness,” stated Anacláudia Rossbach, Executive Director of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat).
She noted that the challenges facing modern cities are interconnected and expose deep structural problems.
Anacláudia Rossbach emphasised that while housing is an infrastructure issue, its effective management and financing are a shared responsibility of governments and international partners.
“Housing is a fundamental human right, and time is limited to achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals,” she stressed.
The purpose of the session is to translate the discussions held throughout the forum into a common conclusion and identify key priorities for future activities.
During the meeting, representatives from each assembly will present their key messages, proposals and initiatives. These ideas will then be summarised to identify shared priorities and common goals.
The session will also address issues related to international initiatives such as the New Urban Agenda and the Baku Call to Action. Interactive discussions will provide participants with the opportunity to participate in shaping the final outcomes.
Outlets in Pakistan, China, Russia, France, Egypt and Uzbekistan reported that the event serves as a major global platform on urban planning and sustainable development.
Coverage highlighted participation from more than 40,000 registered attendees from more than 180 countries, along with ministerial and leadership-level sessions introduced for the first time.
Reports focused on key themes such as affordable housing, climate resilience, smart cities and reconstruction projects in Karabakh and Eastern Zangazur.
The event was also widely covered by media outlets in Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, India, Jordan, Iraq, Mozambique and other countries.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić said the 13th United Nations World Urban Forum (WUF13) plays an important role in shaping the future of sustainable cities.
In an interview with AZERTAC, he noted that the forum brings together global leaders to exchange ideas and experiences.
"I think we will be able to apply many of the things we learn here in Serbia and achieve beneficial outcomes for our people," Vučić added.
A panel session titled “Housing for Environmentally Sustainable and Resilient Urban Development” was held on 17 May within the framework of WUF13 in Baku, Azerbaijan.
Discussions focused on the role of low-carbon and sustainable housing systems in addressing global climate challenges.
Speakers warned that continued environmental damage would further accelerate climate change and undermine efforts to build sustainable cities.
The Iranian national football team is set to arrive in North America for the World Cup after finally securing travel documents, but a dispute over U.S...
Counting is underway in Armenia's elections. The results of the vote are set to determine the political direction of the country of three million peop...
Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry has confirmed the number of casualties its citizens suffered as a result of the 5 June drone attacks on the cargo ships ...
The U.S. plans to seek the redirection of Iranian assets to Gulf states to help fund reconstruction and repairs for damage attributed to Iran, a sourc...
At least a dozen people were wounded, two critically, on Saturday (6 June) in Toledo, Ohio, as two shooters traded gunfire, police said....
As climate pressures and urbanisation accelerate worldwide, governments are increasingly investing in smart cities and villages to build more sustainable and resilient communities. Across the world, digital technologies are reshaping how cities and rural areas are planned and managed.
The 13th edition of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) held in Baku showed Azerbaijan’s “meaningful contribution to multilateralism,” the country’s President Ilham Aliyev has said.
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 concluded in Baku on 22 May after six days of discussions focused on housing, climate resilience, urban governance and social inclusion, bringing together tens of thousands of participants from around the world to shape the future of sustainable cities.
Counting is underway in Armenia's elections. The results of the vote are set to determine the political direction of the country of three million people for the next few years. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan is hoping to fend off challenges from several pro-Russia candidates to secure a third term.
Armenian authorities arrested six candidates from the pro-Russian Strong Armenia bloc on Saturday, one day before voters were due to take part in parliamentary elections.
More than 6,000 people gathered outside a vote-counting centre in Seoul on Friday night, demanding this week’s local elections be repeated after ballot shortages left some voters unable to cast their ballots.
Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry has confirmed the number of casualties its citizens suffered as a result of the 5 June drone attacks on the cargo ships Natra and Zircon in the Sea of Azov. In a statement, it said four Azerbaijani citizens were killed and four others were injured.
The U.S. said it struck Iranian radar sites on Qeshm Island and in Goruk after intercepting four drones, while Iran's Revolutionary Guards said they launches retaliatory strikes on four tankers in the Strait of Hormuz and targeted U.S. bases in the Gulf.
The Iranian national football team is set to arrive in North America for the World Cup after finally securing travel documents, but a dispute over U.S. visa approvals continues to cast a shadow over the country's tournament preparations.
At least a dozen people were wounded, two critically, on Saturday (6 June) in Toledo, Ohio, as two shooters traded gunfire, police said.
Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for the 7 June, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Falih al‑Zaidi will pay an official visit to the United States, bringing with him a delegation of business leaders, private‑sector representatives and banking officials, in an effort to boost investment and deepen economic ties with Washington.
People across Gaza are facing a worsening humanitarian crisis, with millions struggling to access food, clean water, shelter and medical care as the conflict continues.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment