The 13th Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) held in Baku became another important confirmation of Azerbaijan’s international prestige, organizational capacity, and contribution to global cooperation.
Azerbaijan is now among the countries shaping the global urbanization agenda
Bringing together more than 57,000 participants from 176 countries, WUF13 went down in history as the largest session ever held. The forum was distinguished not only by its scale, but also by its political, humanitarian, and strategic significance. The successful organization in Baku of the second-largest international event held in Azerbaijan after COP29 demonstrated the country’s growing role on global platforms. Baku once again acted as an important center promoting international solidarity, multilateral cooperation, and intercivilizational dialogue.
The remarks delivered by President Ilham Aliyev at the opening ceremony reflected the philosophy and strategic vision of Azerbaijan’s urban planning policy. In his speech, the President emphasized that Baku is a city that harmoniously combines antiquity and modernity. The line of development stretching from the Old City (Icherisheher) to the modern White City demonstrates that Azerbaijan has successfully implemented a modern urban concept while preserving its historical heritage.
Holding the forum in Baku confirms that Azerbaijan has become an important actor in international urbanization processes. Entrusting WUF13 to Azerbaijan is an indication that the country is regarded as a reliable partner. Azerbaijan is no longer merely a participant in international initiatives, but also a state contributing to the shaping of the global agenda.
Particular attention was drawn to the Leaders’ Statements Session held for the first time at the initiative of President Ilham Aliyev within the framework of the forum. This was the first time such a format had been applied in the history of the World Urban Forum. The participation of 27 heads of state and government, as well as leaders of international organizations, demonstrated Azerbaijan’s growing political influence and role as a platform for international dialogue. The Leaders’ Statements Session further increased the political weight of WUF13. This initiative showcased Azerbaijan’s ability to bring the international community together around strategic issues. The appreciation expressed by the leaders regarding Azerbaijan’s hospitality and the high-level organization of the forum reflected the country’s international standing.
The Azerbaijan model
Within the framework of WUF13, Azerbaijan’s reconstruction policy implemented during the post-conflict period attracted particular interest. The restoration and reconstruction work carried out in the liberated territories has already become a model studied and discussed internationally. Without any foreign assistance, Azerbaijan is rebuilding destroyed cities and villages using its own financial and human resources.
President Ilham Aliyev’s description of Aghdam as the “Hiroshima of the Caucasus” was not accidental. The reconstruction of cities deliberately destroyed over the course of 30 years is not only an infrastructure project, but also the restoration of national memory and historical justice. The reconstruction work underway today in Aghdam, Fuzuli, Zangilan, Shusha, and other cities demonstrates Azerbaijan’s strength and political will.
The projects implemented within the framework of the Great Return Program are aimed at ensuring the safe and dignified return of people to their native lands. This is not only about building houses. Schools, hospitals, roads, airports, industrial zones, and energy infrastructure are also being created. Employment opportunities, social welfare, and long-term living conditions for people are being treated as key priorities.
The “smart city” and “smart village” concept is Azerbaijan’s model for the future
One of the main innovative approaches presented by Azerbaijan was the “smart city” and “smart village” concept. The projects implemented in the liberated territories are based on the principles of sustainable development. The use of solar and alternative energy sources, digital management systems, green infrastructure, and environmentally friendly approaches are shaping Azerbaijan’s future urban model.
Forum participants showed great interest in Azerbaijan’s experience in this field. Within the framework of WUF13, many international representatives noted that Azerbaijan’s post-conflict reconstruction model could also be useful for other countries. This demonstrates that Azerbaijan has become not only a regional actor, but also a global actor sharing its experience.
The far-sighted leadership of President Ilham Aliyev
The “Chair’s Summary” document adopted at the conclusion of the ministerial meeting is of particular importance. The document specifically highlights the far-sighted leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, highly appreciates Azerbaijan’s activities in the field of post-conflict reconstruction, and expresses solidarity with the country. This is an important political document demonstrating the international trust Azerbaijan has gained.
The promotion of national urban forums at Azerbaijan’s initiative is also an important step. This initiative is highly relevant in terms of sharing best practices and strengthening partnerships among different countries.
WUF13 is becoming Azerbaijan’s lasting international legacy project
A high-level event organized within the framework of the forum at the initiative of Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, was also of particular significance. The “Baku Call for Breathing Cities” document adopted at the conclusion of the event dedicated to clean air and green infrastructure sets important directions for future urban planning policies. The call to establish clean air as a permanent topic on the agenda of future forums demonstrates Azerbaijan’s contribution to the environmental agenda.
The establishment of the Baku City Award also demonstrates that Azerbaijan’s contribution to the global urban agenda is taking on a lasting character. Just as during COP29, Azerbaijan is creating its own lasting legacy through WUF13. This is no longer simply the organization of a single event, but the formation of a long-term international platform.
The innovative governance and organizational approaches implemented within the framework of the forum were highly appreciated internationally. The signing of a Letter of Intent between the State Committee on Urban Planning and Architecture and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) on the preparation of operational guidelines based on Baku standards for future forums is a highly significant development. This shows that Azerbaijan has now become one of the countries setting standards in the organization of international events.
WUF13 demonstrated that Azerbaijan’s international positions have become even stronger. The forum once again proved that Azerbaijan is not only a regional actor, but also one of the leading participants in strategic initiatives, international dialogue, and the sustainable development agenda at the global level.
