D-8: WUF13 reinforced Azerbaijan's growing profile as international platform

The successful hosting of WUF13 marked another major global milestone for Azerbaijan following the successful organization of COP29 in 2024, according to a statement by the D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation (Developing-8) following the visit of Secretary-General Sohail Mahmood to Azerbaijan, cited by Report.

The statement emphasizes that Mahmood made his first official visit to Azerbaijan after assuming office in January 2026 to participate in WUF13.

"The successful hosting of WUF13 marked another major global milestone for Azerbaijan following the successful organization of COP29 in 2024, further reinforcing Azerbaijan's growing profile as an important convener of international platforms for multilateral dialogue on climate action, sustainable development, and urban transformation," the statement says.

It is also noted that during the visit, the Secretary-General attended a high-level D-8 dialogue on energy and urban development held on the sidelines of the forum.

"The Forum brought together Heads of State/Government, Ministers, Mayors, senior representatives of international and regional organizations, urban experts, and development stakeholders from across the world to deliberate on the future of resilient, inclusive and sustainable cities," D-8 said.

In his speech at the forum, Sohail Mahmood proposed initiatives to establish the titles D-8 Sustainable City of the Year, D-8 Green Capital, and D-8 Clean Energy Capital to encourage innovation and the exchange of best practices in the region.

One of the key outcomes of the visit was confirmation of progress in establishing three D-8 centers of excellence in Baku-in the fields of energy and climate, transport, and media.

The statement emphasizes that these centers will serve as practical platforms for strengthening South–South cooperation, political dialogue, exchange of research and innovation, and capacity-building in renewable energy, transport connectivity, media, climate resilience, and sustainable urban development.

During the visit, the D-8 Secretary-General also held high-level meetings with Azerbaijani officials, including Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan Hikmat Hajiyev, Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov, and Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov.

The sides discussed the development of cooperation between Azerbaijan and D-8, preparations for the 12th summit of the organization in Jakarta, as well as the launch of the D-8 Energy and Climate Center in Baku and preparations for the first D-8 energy ministers' meeting, scheduled to be held in Baku on June 1, 2026.

Overall, the statement notes that the discussions during the visit demonstrated the high priority Azerbaijan attaches to its membership in D-8, as well as the country's active role within the organization.

A meeting was also held with the Executive Director of the Media Development Agency of Azerbaijan (MEDIA), Ahmad Ismayilov. The sides discussed the prompt launch of the Media Center of Excellence, as well as further strengthening media cooperation among D-8 member states.

Overall, as noted in the statement, the talks during the visit demonstrated the high priority Azerbaijan attaches to its membership in D-8, as well as the country"s active role in the organization"s processes.