Sharing Azerbaijan's urban development experience at WUF13 supports multilateral diplomacy - OPINION

The sharing of Azerbaijan's urban development experience at events held as part of WUF13 was the result of the country's contribution to multilateral diplomacy, Azerbaijani MP Parvana Valiyeva told Report.

She said the 13th session of the UN World Urban Forum (WUF13) was held in Baku with record figures and became an important platform for global cooperation in sustainable urbanization.

"The main theme of the forum was 'Housing for all: safe, resilient cities and settlements.' Housing is not only a basic need, but also the foundation of human dignity, social inclusion, economic opportunities and climate resilience. For the first time, the Leaders' Statement segment was held as part of the forum at the initiative of the Azerbaijani President. Twenty-seven heads of state and government took part in the event, which demonstrated high political support for sustainable urban development and adequate housing. The experience presented by Azerbaijan as the host country drew special interest. The large-scale reconstruction and Great Return program implemented in Karabakh and East Zangazur were assessed internationally as an exemplary model for the post-conflict period. Azerbaijan is building 12 cities and more than 300 villages from scratch using its own internal resources. Azerbaijan has a rich architectural and cultural heritage formed over centuries, and along with rapid urbanization, the country attaches special importance to preserving its national architectural identity. In this context, 2026 has been declared the Year of Urban Planning and Architecture in Azerbaijan," she said.

According to Parvana Valiyeva, one of the important legacies of the forum was the Baku Urban Award, jointly established by Azerbaijan and UN-Habitat.

"This award, as the first special prize presented within the World Urban Forum, serves to promote best practices in innovation, international cooperation and sustainable urbanization. The Baku Call to Action, adopted as part of WUF13, called for urgent and joint action against the global housing crisis. The housing crisis is not an issue that can be solved by one side alone; it requires collective responsibility and coordinated action. The message of young people attracted special attention at the forum. Today, one in four children living in cities grows up in informal settlements. The housing problem directly affects the future, security and opportunities of millions of young people. Young people viewed housing not only as a place to live, but as a gateway to dignity, security and belonging. Housing policy should be built in connection with education, healthcare, security and economic opportunities," she said.

Valiyeva stressed that by 2050, young people will make up about 70% of the world's population, and therefore today's decisions will determine the quality of life of future generations.

"The Baku Call to Action was prepared as a result of an inclusive and multilateral process. Women, children, young people, older persons, persons with disabilities, local and regional authorities, members of parliament, civil society, academia and representatives of the private sector took part in drafting the document. The main message of the document is that the global housing crisis has already reached a critical level, and that this crisis is not accidental, but the result of systemic governance and structural problems. The Chair"s Summary, issued as the final document, expressed the UN"s gratitude to the Azerbaijani government for its highly professional hosting and organization. Azerbaijan has carried out unique work in urban development, and this experience was shared at almost all of the more than 400 events held as part of the forum and was received with great appreciation. This was Azerbaijan"s major contribution to multilateral diplomacy, and the global urban agenda was written in our country. From now on, Azerbaijan will also be a reference point on this issue," she said.

The MP noted that in July this year, the UN General Assembly will adopt an interim report on the New Urban Agenda, where the achievements made in Baku will be highlighted.