Euronews: Azerbaijan completes large-scale preparations for WUF13

Azerbaijan is completing preparations for the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13), coordinating infrastructure, transport, security systems, and services for receiving international participants of the event.

This was reported by Euronews.

The TV channel notes that large-scale coordination work is underway in the country involving government agencies and international partners to ensure the smooth running of events within the framework of the forum.

"The main task is to ensure that all events comply with UN standards for such global events," said Jamila Ismailzade, Head of the Content Department of the WUF13 Azerbaijan Operating Company.

Deputy Head of the WUF13 Communications Department Narmin Abdullayeva reported that 40 main sessions, 350 partner-organized events, and an Urban Expo exhibition will be held as part of the forum. The venue includes a WUF13 Boulevard zone and functional sectors for UN agencies, government institutions, media representatives, and participants. According to her, more than 208,000 participants have registered and approximately 1,000 media accreditation requests have been submitted.

The TV channel emphasizes that the 13th session of the World Urban Forum will draw international attention to Baku, and the Olympic Stadium, opened in 2015, will become one of the key venues for hosting major international events.

Commenting on the specifics of the venue, Jamila Ismailzade noted that it is not a traditional conference center, which requires a customized approach to creating solutions for media representatives, the public, conference halls, and protocol zones: "Since the World Urban Forum is being held for the first time in Eastern Europe, the South Caucasus, and Central Asia, our priority and challenge was to ensure the participation of all players in the region."

The report also notes that improved infrastructure and transport planning will allow participants to move freely between key locations.

"Participants will be able to use their bank cards via NFC, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. Today, 112 km of dedicated lanes operate in the city center, and they are being expanded as WUF13 approaches. In 2024, we added 200 electric buses to the fleet, and by 2026 their number has already reached 450," noted Fuad Jafarli, Director of the Transport Planning Department of the Azerbaijan Land Transport Agency.

Special attention has been given to security matters. A representative of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Azerbaijan emphasized that ensuring the safety of guests during WUF13 is a priority. He also noted that both traditional security measures and digital monitoring systems are being deployed, and police officers maintain a balance between security and openness.

"More than 20 special tours have been prepared for forum participants, covering Baku and other regions of Azerbaijan. More than 150 certified guides will accompany guests. Every participant is a potential tourist, and we strive to present the country in the best possible way," said Rashad Aliyev, Deputy CEO of the Azerbaijan Tourism Bureau.

In turn, Gumru Mammadova, a representative of the Icherisheher Reserve, stated that international attention is an opportunity to strengthen the status of the living heritage of Baku's cultural center: "Our approach combines preservation and active use of the urban environment. Restoration work is aimed not only at preserving walls but also at creating spaces for art and public leisure, so that the Old City remains a living neighborhood rather than a museum."

It should be noted that WUF13 will take place on May 17-22 in Baku. The forum is being held in close cooperation between Azerbaijan and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) and is aimed at exchanging international experience in the field of sustainable urban development, "smart cities," and innovative urban solutions.