BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 22. The United Nations World Urban Forum (WUF13) was highly inclusive in both its organization and implementation, and civil society actively participated in the forum, accounting for 12% of the total number of participants, Chairman of the State Committee for Urban Planning and Architecture and National Coordinator of WUF13 Anar Guliyev said, Trend reports.
He made the remark during the official closing ceremony of the 13th session of the United Nations World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku.
Guliyev emphasized that the creation of the Business and Innovation Center strengthened cooperation with the private sector, investors, and startups and enhanced the role of innovation in urban transformation:
“It is encouraging that the private sector accounted for 13
percent of participants. The Forum has once again demonstrated that
urban transformation is more effective when governments,
communities, and partners work together.”
Furthermore, Guliyev added that one of the most impressive parts of
WUF13 was the “Urban Expo” zone:
“Covering more than 10,000 square meters of exhibition space, the exhibition featured 260 organizations from 81 countries with 122 booths and pavilions. It brought together governments, universities, civil society organizations, public agencies, and the private sector, as well as startups and innovative initiatives.”
The 1,500-square-meter Azerbaijan Pavilion showcased the country’s path to urbanization under the theme “From Vision to Action—Together with People.” The pavilion showcased cultural heritage, sustainable planning, “smart cities,” housing policy, tourism, and restoration work in the liberated territories. Approximately 30 events were held in the pavilion, attended by around 1,500 local and international participants.
The committee chair noted that an NGO Forum was organized for the first time as part of WUF13:
“Bringing together about 800 participants from more than 100 countries, the forum highlighted the role of civil society, local communities, and public initiatives in building an inclusive and people-centered urban future. As part of the forum, at the initiative of Azerbaijani NGOs, the Baku Declaration on Sustainable Urban Development and Global Cooperation was adopted. The document was signed by 441 civil society representatives from 82 countries participating in WUF13.”
The Azerbaijan Pavilion hosted 59 events, attracting approximately 3,000 local and international participants. The Global Platform of Southern NGOs Pavilion hosted about 30 events, bringing together 1,500 participants.
WUF13 extended far beyond the conference hall. More than 115,000 people took part in discussions on sustainable urban development at 55 events held in nine cities as part of Baku City Week and the Forum Festival. The forum also attracted widespread attention from the global media: it was attended by more than 1,000 accredited media representatives.
He added that youth participation was also a key feature of WUF13:
Some 2,500 volunteers helped organize and successfully host the forum. This demonstrated the professionalism, hospitality, and dynamism of Azerbaijani youth. Their participation is considered one of the most valuable legacies, contributing to knowledge exchange, skills development, and the active participation of youth in global urban processes.”
