“The holding of WUF13 in Baku demonstrates Azerbaijan’s transition from a passive observer to an active participant in the global urban agenda," said architect and construction expert Mukhtar Arturan in a statement to APA.
He noted that the World Urban Forum (WUF) is one of the UN’s main global platforms on urban development: “This platform is an environment where urban planning policies are shaped, and the approaches discussed here—particularly in terms of sustainability, climate adaptation, and inclusive urban development—have a direct impact on the renewal of normative and institutional frameworks at the national level. This forum is not only an exchange of ideas, but also a consensus mechanism that determines the direction of global urban policies. The holding of WUF13 in Baku shows that Azerbaijan’s level of participation in this global discourse has increased and that the country is positioning itself as a regional center for urban development. This is particularly significant in the context of rapid urbanization, infrastructure transformation, and the construction of new city models in post-conflict territories.”
The system-oriented role of architecture and its impact on urban planning policies
Architecture is no longer an object-oriented activity, but a system-oriented intervention tool. In the modern era, the architect acts as a factor influencing critical parameters such as the organization of space in urban planning policies, the formation of social behavior models, resource efficiency, and optimization of the carbon footprint.
Within the framework of WUF13, sustainable planning, resource efficiency, climate-resilient urban systems, and inclusive development models will be discussed. Baku’s role as host is not merely organizational. It serves as a platform for the city to present itself as a global urban laboratory and to synthesize local experience with international practices.
WUF13 ensures the direct transfer of international experience and technologies
The architect noted that WUF13 adds significant strategic value to the reconstruction and urban planning processes carried out in Azerbaijan’s liberated territories: “These areas, as ‘cities built from scratch,’ provide a unique opportunity for the application of modern urban principles. Through the forum, smart city models, energy-efficient solutions, and sustainable planning approaches can be implemented in these territories in a more systematic manner.
At the same time, WUF13 ensures the direct transfer of international experience and technologies. This means minimizing errors in the planning process, more flexible governance, and more efficient use of resources. In parallel, the forum creates new investment opportunities and stimulates the expansion of public-private partnerships. Ultimately, WUF13 represents a critical stage for the country both in terms of reputational capital and the renewal of long-term urban strategies.”
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