BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 20. The role of the media is coming to the fore in matters of housing and social development, Rasim Baghirov, Director of the Department of International Relations and Documentation at the Media Development Agency, said, Trend reports.
He made the statement at the event “Media as a Driver of Public Discourse on Housing and Urban Resilience,” held as part of WUF13.
''Today, the media is not merely a platform for conveying information, but an important tool that shapes public consciousness, promotes citizen participation, and builds a bridge of communication between government institutions and society,‘’ he emphasized.
Baghirov noted that professional and responsible media make a significant contribution to fostering more substantive and informed discussions on sustainable urban development, housing affordability, environmental responsibility, and social integration:
“Accurate, balanced, and fact-based communication allows citizens to better understand the processes of urban transformation and participate more actively in discussions about the future of cities,” he added.
He emphasized that the media is an important platform for dialogue:
“Constructive communication between government agencies, civil society, local communities, and other stakeholders is one of the key prerequisites for creating a sustainable and inclusive urban environment. Inclusive dialogue strengthens public trust and allows urban planning processes to be adapted to the real needs of society,” he stressed.
The department head added that the role of the media is becoming increasingly prominent, especially in matters of housing construction and social development. The media also play an important role in strengthening transparency and accountability in urban governance. Objective coverage of initiatives in urban planning, infrastructure projects, environmental policy, and public services enhances institutional accountability and strengthens public trust.
“Furthermore, data-driven journalism and analytical approaches can transform complex urban challenges into knowledge that is more accessible to the public and foster more meaningful public engagement in urban policy.
However, in today’s information environment, these opportunities are also accompanied by serious challenges. Disinformation, manipulative narratives, and the rapid spread of unverified information can undermine public trust, weaken social cohesion, and complicate decision-making, especially during periods of urban transformation,” Baghirov stated.
“That is precisely why reliable information, ethical journalism, media literacy, and professional standards are the cornerstones of a sustainable society. When citizens have access to reliable information and can critically assess the information landscape, societies become stronger and more resilient,” he concluded.
Today, the fourth day of the WUF13 conference is taking place in Baku.
The first day included a ministerial meeting dedicated to the New Urban Agenda, a ministerial roundtable, assemblies for women and civil society, business sessions, and discussions on urban prosperity. An official ceremony marking the raising of the UN and Azerbaijani flags also took place.
The second day stood out for the inaugural Leaders' Summit, featuring high-level discussions on the global housing crisis, urbanization policy, and urban resilience. Concurrently, the opening of the Mexico City pavilion took place, serving as a significant platform for expanding cooperation with the Latin American region and preparing for WUF14.
The third day of WUF13 featured a comprehensive program of events covering the global housing crisis, the formation of safe and inclusive cities, climate resilience, artificial intelligence and urban governance, green urbanization, social equity, and sustainable transport.
WUF13, which has attracted more than 40,000 registered participants from 182 countries, will continue until May 22. Held under the theme “Housing the world: Safe and resilient cities and communities,” the forum brings together governments, international organizations, experts, and representatives of civil society to strengthen global cooperation in the field of sustainable urban development.
