WUF13

WUF13

WUF13 made significant contribution to strengthening Azerbaijan's international positions-COMMENTARY

23 May 2026 19:44 (UTC +04:00)

WUF13 made a significant contribution to further strengthening Azerbaijan's international positions, Fatma Yildirim, a deputy of the Milli Majlis, told APA.

The deputy said that the 13th Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) held in Baku was not only an international event where urbanization and urban planning issues were discussed, but also a vivid example of Azerbaijan's growing international prestige, activeness in multilateral diplomacy and contribution to global initiatives: "The fact that WUF13 brought together more than 57 thousand participants from 176 countries ensured that it was remembered as the largest session in the history of the World Urban Forum. This forum is also of special importance as the second largest international event held in Azerbaijan after COP29. Baku once again acted as an important platform promoting global solidarity, international partnership and multilateral cooperation. This is an indicator of Azerbaijan's growing weight in the system of international relations and its acceptance as a reliable partner. It is not accidental that such a prestigious event is held in Baku. The assignment of WUF13 to Azerbaijan is the result of the high international assessment of our country's achievements in the field of urbanization, sustainable urban planning and modern development models. Azerbaijan is no longer only a regional, but also a global "It is known as a state that takes important initiatives on a large scale and contributes to the realization of these initiatives."

President Ilham Aliyev's far-sighted policy increases Azerbaijan's prestige

Fatma Yildirim noted that the success of international events hosted by Azerbaijan in recent years is the result of the far-sighted policy implemented by President Ilham Aliyev: "Today, Azerbaijan is perceived as a reliable partner, a safe space and an enterprising state on international platforms. COP29, WUF13 and other global events have shown that our country has the organizational capabilities to meet the highest standards. The Leaders' Statements Session, held for the first time within the framework of WUF13 at the initiative of President Ilham Aliyev, further increased the political weight of the forum. The organization of this session can be considered a new stage in the history of the World Urban Forum. The participation of 27 heads of state and government, heads of international organizations and high-level representatives in the event held on May 18 demonstrated the strengthening of Azerbaijan's role as an international dialogue platform."

According to her, the gratitude and high appreciation expressed to Azerbaijan by the leaders participating in the session is an indicator of our country's prestige: "The guests particularly emphasized Azerbaijan's high hospitality, the conditions created for international dialogue, and the professional organization of the forum. This confirms that our country is received with confidence by the international community."

“The Leaders’ Session strengthened Baku’s role as a strategic dialogue center”

MP believes that the Leaders’ Session within the framework of WUF13 was another confirmation of Azerbaijan’s growing role in promoting international cooperation: “Azerbaijan has now become an important platform where not only regional issues but also global problems are discussed. Baku is strengthening its position as a dialogue space that brings together states with different political views.”

Fatma Yildirim said that this session also demonstrated Azerbaijan’s ability to form new international initiatives: “In the modern world, the formation of an environment of trust, the promotion of multilateral cooperation and the joint solution of common problems are of particular importance. Azerbaijan plays an important role in this direction, and the Leaders’ Statements Session held within the framework of WUF13 is a vivid example of this.”

Azerbaijan shared its urban planning experience with the world

The deputy emphasized that Azerbaijan, by making substantive contributions to the forum's agenda, presented its unique development model to the international community: "Our country is one of the rare states that successfully reconciles modern urban planning with the preservation of national and cultural heritage. The projects implemented in Azerbaijan show that innovative urbanization can be carried out in parallel with the preservation of ancient architectural traditions."

Fatma Yildirim noted that the large-scale reconstruction and construction works carried out in the liberated territories were met with great interest by the forum participants: "Azerbaijan is rebuilding destroyed cities and villages at the expense of its own financial and human resources. The restoration of 9 cities and more than 100 villages that were subjected to urbanization, ecocide and culturicide is one of the rare examples on a global scale. This process is not only the reconstruction of physical infrastructure, but also the restoration of social life, economic activity and cultural heritage."

According to her, the application of the "smart city" and "smart village" concepts in the liberated areas demonstrates Azerbaijan's forward-looking development strategy: "These projects are based on the principles of sustainable development and stand out as a successful example of a modern urbanization model."

Baku City Award is a continuation of Azerbaijan's global initiatives

The deputy noted that the establishment of the Baku City Award at the initiative of Azerbaijan is also an important event: "This step is another example of Azerbaijan's contribution to the formation of the global urban development agenda. The Baku City Award will serve to promote successful practices in the field of innovative and sustainable urban development in the future."

Fatma Yildirim said that the innovative organizational approaches applied within the framework of WUF13 were highly appreciated at the international level: "The modern technologies, logistics solutions and coordination mechanisms used during the organization of the forum were appreciated by the participants. This shows that Azerbaijan is already among the countries that set an example in organizing international events."

WUF13 Baku standards will be a model for future forums

The deputy emphasized the special importance of the Letter of Intent signed between the State Committee for Urban Planning and Architecture and the UN Habitat Program: “The development of operational guidelines for future forums based on the WUF13 Baku standards is an indicator of the international acceptance of the experience formed by Azerbaijan. This is a very important achievement. Azerbaijan is no longer just a country that hosts international events, but also a state that sets new standards in this field. The strategic development policy implemented by President Ilham Aliyev is the basis of these successes. Azerbaijan’s growing international reputation, strong economic potential and modern governance model allow our country to play a more active role in global processes.”

Fatma Yildirim emphasized that WUF13 made a significant contribution to further strengthening Azerbaijan’s international positions: “The forum once again proved that Azerbaijan is one of the states that plays an important role in promoting global cooperation, dialogue and sustainable development ideas. Baku has already become one of the important centers of international diplomacy, strategic discussions and global initiatives.”