The World Urban Forum (WUF13) held in Baku has become an important platform for presenting Azerbaijan’s experience in sustainable urban development, housing policy, and the reconstruction of liberated territories at the international level, Anar Guliyev, national coordinator of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) and chairman of the State Committee for Urban Planning and Architecture of Azerbaijan, said at the official closing press conference of WUF13, APA-Economics reports.
He stated that a ministerial meeting dedicated to the implementation of the New Urban Agenda was held within the framework of the forum. Of the 111 participating countries, 80 were represented at the level of ministers or deputy ministers.
Anar Guliyev noted that Azerbaijan is currently implementing large-scale projects aimed at urban renewal, expansion of green infrastructure, improvement of housing conditions, strengthening climate resilience, and the creation of inclusive communities.
According to him, one of the world’s largest reconstruction programs is being implemented in the territories liberated from occupation. Within the framework of the Great Return Program, 12 cities and more than 300 villages are being rebuilt using the country’s own financial resources.
The committee chairman added that one of the important legacies of WUF13 will be the Baku City Award established at Azerbaijan’s initiative. Organized jointly with UN-Habitat, this award will hold the status of the only international award presented within the framework of the World Urban Forum.
Anar Guliyev also stated that Azerbaijan has signed a letter of intent with UN-Habitat to prepare organizational guidelines for future host countries of the WUF. According to him, this initiative will contribute to shaping the forum’s long-term institutional legacy.
