Ambassador: Ethiopia sees WUF13 as key platform for exchanging urban renewal experience

Ethiopia views the 13th session of the World Urban Forum 13 (WUF13) as an important opportunity to exchange experience in the field of urban renewal, Ethiopia's Ankara-based Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Adem Mohammed Mahmoud, told the Turkish bureau of Report.

He noted that Ethiopia will be represented at WUF13 by a high-level delegation, including the mayors of 12 cities led by the mayor of Addis Ababa.

"As Ethiopia is set to host COP32 in Addis Ababa, the country intends to study Azerbaijan's experience in organizing COP29. To this end, 42 delegates from Ethiopia, headed by Addis Ababa Mayor Adanech Abiebie, will participate in the forum. During WUF13, Ethiopia will showcase its achievements in inclusive and affordable housing, urban transformation, and successful practices that could also benefit other developing countries," the ambassador said.

According to the diplomat, WUF13 will serve as a leading global platform bringing together leaders, ministers, mayors, and international media representatives to address the most pressing challenges of sustainable urbanization.

"The forum is focused on tackling the global housing crisis and highlights the urgent need for affordable and inclusive housing for all. At a time marked by geopolitical crises, conflicts, and climate change, WUF13 seeks to deliver solutions that protect communities and align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. The main expected outcome is the adoption of the ‘Baku Call to Action,' which will mobilize political commitments and financial support to scale up urban policy and technology transfer," he said.

The ambassador also noted that the Ethiopian government has made significant progress in addressing housing shortages and urban infrastructure challenges through its innovative Corridor Development Program. Over the next five to six years, the country plans to build 1.5 million housing units.

"This initiative, which initially began in Addis Ababa, has now expanded to 75 cities across the country. The program aims to improve infrastructure, widen roads, and increase urban green spaces in order to make cities more livable and attractive for investment," Mahmoud added.

WUF13 will take place in Baku on May 17–22. The forum is being organized in close cooperation between Azerbaijan and UN-Habitat and is aimed at promoting the exchange of international experience in sustainable urban development, smart cities, and innovative urban solutions.