WUF13 opens in Baku - The first day of WUF

The 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) officially commenced in Baku on May 17 under the theme “Housing for All: Safe and Sustainable Cities and Human Settlements.”

One of the key events of the opening day was a ministerial meeting dedicated to the New Urban Agenda, organized under Azerbaijan’s chairmanship as a new initiative. Representatives from more than 100 countries took part in the discussions, which coincided with the midpoint of the 20-year implementation period of the New Urban Agenda. Participants reviewed progress achieved so far, identified current challenges and discussed priorities for the next phase.

Speakers expressed gratitude to the Azerbaijani government for its hospitality and for successfully organizing WUF13 in Baku, which has brought together more than 40,000 participants from 182 countries. They also praised the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, as well as the efforts of UN-Habitat and its Executive Director Anacláudia Rossbach in promoting international cooperation in sustainable urban development and adequate housing.

A major point highlighted during the discussions was the importance of addressing housing issues through integrated approaches rather than in isolation. Speakers stressed the need to connect housing policies with land management, infrastructure, transportation, public services, employment, public spaces, climate action and local economic development. They also called for stronger support for secondary cities, smaller settlements, urban-rural linkages and balanced territorial development. The meeting concluded with the adoption of the Chair’s Summary document.

Participants also drew attention to the impact of wars, conflicts and disasters on cities, housing stock, infrastructure and essential services, as well as the humanitarian challenges caused by forced displacement. Delegations emphasized the importance of post-conflict reconstruction and recovery processes. Azerbaijan’s post-conflict reconstruction experience was highlighted as a positive example and a potential model for similar situations.

One of the most symbolic moments of the day was the flag-raising ceremony of the United Nations and Azerbaijani state flags. The ceremony was attended by Chairman of the State Committee for Urban Planning and Architecture of Azerbaijan and WUF13 National Coordinator Anar Guliyev and UN-Habitat Executive Director Anacláudia Rossbach.

The first day of the forum also featured joint opening sessions of several Assemblies, including the Women’s Assembly, the World Assembly of Local and Regional Governments, the Assembly of Community Organizations and Civil Society, and the Business Assembly.

Additional events included the “Global Water Operators’ Partnerships Alliance” Assembly, jointly organized by UN-Habitat, the Global Water Operators’ Partnerships Alliance (GWOPA) and the State Water Resources Agency of Azerbaijan. Held every two years, the GWOPA Assembly was organized for the first time within the framework of the World Urban Forum.

Running from May 17 to 22, WUF13 is bringing together heads of state and government, ministers, mayors, business leaders, academics and civil society representatives from across the globe.