WUF13 in Baku became one of the major international events in the field of sustainable urban development

The 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13), held in Baku under the auspices of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), was remembered as one of the most important international events in recent years in the field of sustainable urban development.

As Report informs, the forum, which brought together more than 57,000 participants from 176 countries, once again demonstrated the growing role of Azerbaijan as a global platform for dialogue and cooperation.

Hosting this prestigious event for the first time, Azerbaijan transformed Baku into an international center for discussing the future of cities, housing policy, climate resilience, and inclusive development. In this context, holding WUF13 in Baku is regarded as a landmark event not only for the region but also for the entire global urbanization agenda.

Within the framework of the forum, dedicated to the theme "Housing for All: Safe and Sustainable Cities and Human Settlements," one of the main subjects of discussion was the housing crisis — one of the most pressing global problems. According to UN estimates, approximately 2.8 billion people worldwide currently live in inadequate conditions. This is precisely why WUF13 became an important platform for discussing practical solutions and shaping new approaches to sustainable urban development.

The main outcome of the forum was the adoption of the document "Baku Call to Action." The document reflects the shared vision of states, international organizations, cities, civil society, and experts on overcoming the global housing crisis and implementing the New Urban Agenda.

The document particularly emphasizes the need to transition from declarations to real action. Along with this, strengthening international cooperation and expanding climate financing were named among the main priorities. The importance of integrating housing policy with issues of infrastructure, transport, social protection, ecology, and economic development was also highlighted.

During the ministerial meeting on the New Urban Agenda, participants stated that ten years after the adoption of the agenda in Quito, the international community is entering a decisive stage of its implementation. At the meeting, it was particularly emphasized that housing is not only a matter of construction but also the foundation of social justice, human dignity, resilience, and economic opportunities.

At the same time, the forum was also of great importance in terms of international recognition of Azerbaijan's policies in the areas of sustainable development, modernization of the urban environment, and post-conflict recovery. Forum participants highly praised the reconstruction work in the liberated territories, modern urban solutions, and approaches to sustainable territorial development.

One of the initiatives that attracted attention within WUF13 was the "Smart and Sustainable Settlements for Safe Return" (4SRP) project, prepared by Azerbaijan jointly with UN-Habitat, the International Organization for Migration, and the Baku Center for Climate and Peace Action. The initiative is aimed at ensuring safe and sustainable return, as well as establishing international standards for post-conflict recovery based on the principles of environmental sustainability, climate adaptation, and peacebuilding.

Thus, WUF13 once again confirmed that Baku is an important global platform for dialogue, bringing together states, cities, and international organizations around the goal of building inclusive, safe, and livable cities.

It is expected that the final results of the forum and the "Baku Call to Action" document will make an important contribution to the high-level meeting of the UN General Assembly on the midterm review of the implementation of the New Urban Agenda, which will take place in July 2026 in New York.

Overall, holding WUF13 in Baku is regarded as yet another confirmation of Azerbaijan's growing role in shaping the global agenda in the areas of sustainable development, climate resilience, and international cooperation.

The visionary policy and strategic leadership of President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev in the areas of sustainable development, modern urban planning, post-conflict recovery, and global cooperation were particularly emphasized.

At the same time, gratitude was expressed to the government of Azerbaijan for the high level of organization of the 13th session of the World Urban Forum, the hospitality extended, and the creation of an effective atmosphere for dialogue.

Furthermore, in the "Chair Summary" document prepared