Gulshan Rzayeva: Azerbaijan at WUF13 will present its urban planning experience to the global community

Hosting the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku (May 17-22, 2026) holds strategic importance for Azerbaijan and will create opportunities to present the country's achievements in urban development to the international community.

As reported by BAKU.WS with reference to Report, this was stated by the Deputy Head of the Staff of the State Committee for Urban Planning and Architecture, Deputy National Coordinator of WUF13 Gulshan Rzayeva at a press conference dedicated to preparations for WUF13.

According to her, this international platform will create opportunities to present Azerbaijan's achievements, best practices, and exemplary experience in urban development to the world: "In this context, the mass media play a very important role in raising awareness, shaping people's approach to urban development, and certain patterns of behavior in the urban environment."

Rzayeva drew attention to the fact that the world is witnessing rapid urbanization growth and climate change, which is why cities are facing serious challenges: "Urbanization brings economic prospects and creates unprecedented conditions for development and prosperity. At the same time, cities are experiencing the negative impact of climate change caused by urbanization processes. That is precisely why the discussion of urban issues is becoming particularly relevant. The forum will be focused directly on these issues. Participants will be presented with global challenges in the urban development sphere, the tasks facing cities in the context of a changing climate, as well as practical solutions and the experience accumulated by countries."