BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 27. The Azerbaijan Media Development Agency (MEDIA), in collaboration with ADA University and the Organizing Committee of the 13th World Urban Forum (WUF13), organized another briefing session for media representatives in Baku as part of WUF13, Trend reports.
During the event, presentations were given to journalists on a number of key topics, including “WUF13 Main Themes and Dialogues,” “Baku City Master Plan,” “Accessibility and Inclusivity within the Framework of WUF13,” and “Green Transport and Micromobility.”
Speaking at the event, Eldar Rasulov, Head of Content and Media Relations at the operating company “WUF13 Azerbaijan,” stated that to date, more than 800 media representatives have been accredited to participate in the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13).
Rasulov noted that over 70% of accredited media representatives at WUF13 in Baku are from local media outlets.
According to him, the total number of registered participants at WUF13 exceeded 21,000, which demonstrates the high level of international interest in the forum.
Leyla Safarli, Accessibility and Inclusion Events Manager at the WUF13 Azerbaijan Operating Company, stated that as part of the preparations for WUF13 in Baku, educational training sessions are being held to ensure inclusivity and raise staff awareness.
According to her, training materials have been developed on the topic “Understanding Disability: Etiquette, Rules of Conduct, and Communication,” and training sessions are being held for a total of 4,200 people.
She specified that the training is being conducted for bus and taxi drivers (800 people), security personnel (200 people), volunteers (3,000 people), airport staff (100 people), and guest reception staff (70 people).
Leyla Safarli emphasized that the main goal of the training is to foster an inclusive environment and improve service quality in preparation for the international forum.
Natig Mammadli, Deputy Executive Director of the Azerbaijan Media Development Agency, emphasized that Azerbaijan’s urban development strategy is attracting international interest.
He noted that Azerbaijan’s approach to urban development and its ongoing projects are generating significant interest among the international community.
According to Mammadli, the large-scale restoration and reconstruction efforts in the territories liberated from occupation, which began after the Patriotic War, deserve special attention.
He emphasized that cities are effectively being rebuilt from scratch—this time based on modern, sustainable, and innovative urban planning principles.
Mammadli noted that this experience represents an important and exemplary case study that Azerbaijan can showcase to the world.
“WUF13 will serve as an effective platform for sharing this story with a broad international audience,” he stated.
Katerina Bezgachina, Director of Communications for the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), in turn, stated that WUF13 plans to identify key development priorities for the upcoming decade.
According to her, WUF13 will also serve as a platform for developing important solutions in the field of sustainable urban development and creating an inclusive urban environment.
In addition, representatives from many countries around the world are expected to gather in Baku to discuss current challenges and prospects for urban development.
Katerina Bezgachina noted that the main theme of the forum will be “Housing for Peace: Safe and Sustainable Cities and Communities.” Discussions will focus specifically on these issues:
"The choice of theme is no accident. Today, the world is facing a serious crisis in the areas of settlement and housing provision. Rapid urbanization, climate change, and growing social inequality are creating new challenges for urban development."
WUF13 is considered one of the leading international platforms for discussing the future of cities. The forum will take place in Baku from May 17 through 22.
