WUF13 in spotlight of global media

The 13th session of the UN World Urban Forum (WUF13), which kicked off in Baku on May 17, is in the spotlight of global media.

Report informs that materials published by international media outlets about the session emphasized that Azerbaijan is hosting the prestigious event at a high level and noted that the event is an important platform for participating countries to present steps they have taken in this field, as well as to establish and deepen cooperation.

Articles published in Pakistan's The Nation, Daily Times and The News said the brotherly country is represented at WUF13 by a large delegation consisting of ministers and other senior officials. The reports noted that Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Chief Minister of Pakistan's Punjab province, will present Punjab's affordable housing project to an international audience. The materials also emphasized that WUF13 is an internationally important platform bringing together world leaders, investors and urban planning experts. They also expressed satisfaction that Azerbaijan is successfully hosting this prestigious event and that the Pakistani delegation was welcomed in Baku with great hospitality.

China's Xinhua agency has also published a series of articles about WUF13 hosted by Azerbaijan. The articles noted that WUF13 is an important global platform for urban planning, affordable housing and sustainable urban development. They emphasized that Baku had prepared for the event at a high level against the backdrop of a harmony of modern infrastructure, green spaces and historical and cultural heritage, and highlighted Azerbaijan's successful model in sustainable urban planning. The articles also included the views of Chinese experts, who said China's experience in urbanization and affordable housing could serve as a useful example for Azerbaijan and other developing countries, while WUF13 is important for Baku in terms of long-term urban renewal and strengthening international cooperation.

Russian-language outlets have also published a series of articles about WUF13. Articles published on Moscow-baku.ru, Vestnik Kavkaza and other portals emphasized that more than 40,000 participants from over 180 countries had registered for the event, jointly organized by the Azerbaijani government and UN-Habitat. It was noted that, for the first time, the session also includes the Ministerial Meeting and Leaders' Summit segments. The discussions in Baku were mainly devoted to affordable housing, sustainable urbanization, climate resilience and smart city models, while Azerbaijan presented to the international community its reconstruction and green energy zone projects in Karabakh and Eastern Zangazur.

The French-language publication Lagazetteaz.fr featured the views of UN-Habitat Executive Director Anacláudia Rossbach on WUF13. The article said the event plays the role of an important international platform on the urban planning agenda. It also emphasized that the event, hosted by Baku at a high level, is a key venue for global discussions on urban planning, sustainable development and the theme of "Housing for All." It was also noted that WUF13 aims, through the ministerial meeting and other formats, to build political consensus on the New Urban Agenda and define priorities for the next decade.

Egyptian media have also paid wide attention to WUF13. Materials published by The Egyptian Gazette, Youm7, El Balad, Vetogate, Al Dostor, Al-Usbua, Al Qarar Al Arabi, Business News Egypt, Anbaa Alyoum, Nile.eg and other outlets emphasized that WUF13, jointly organized by Azerbaijan and UN-Habitat, is a key platform for global discussions on urban planning, sustainable development and affordable housing. It was noted that this important event, hosted by Baku at a high level, is a significant international dialogue platform for global political and strategic discussions around the New Urban Agenda. The reports said Egypt shared its urban planning experience, particularly its achievements in affordable housing, with an international audience during the session.

Materials published by Uzbekistan's Kun.uz, Podrobno.uz, UzDaily, UZA, Gazeta.uz and Zamin.uz described WUF13 as a prestigious international platform where important issues related to global urbanization challenges, sustainable development, social life and housing provision are discussed. They also emphasized that the event, hosted by Baku at a high level, is an important global dialogue platform for cooperation within the UN framework and discussion of urban planning solutions. The reports described Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev's working visit to Baku and participation in the event as an important development demonstrating Uzbekistan's active position on the international urban planning agenda.

Materials by Malaysia's Bernama agency, as well as the country's The Sun and SABA News publications, drew attention to WUF13 as a key platform for global urbanization and sustainable urban development, and as an important dialogue platform in shaping the international urban planning agenda. They emphasized that Malaysia supports the expansion of cooperation in this field and global urban planning initiatives at the session.

Reports by Kenya's Saccoreview, People Daily, The-star.co.ke, Capitalfm, Kenyans.co.ke, Kenyafrontline.com and Standardmedia.co.ke said President William Ruto was invited to WUF13 due to the country's achievements in affordable housing and sustainable urban development. It was noted that President Ruto will present the Kenyan government's affordable housing program during WUF13 and seek to attract new international partners and investors for urban development projects. The reports also covered the Kenyan President's meeting with the Azerbaijani President.

News about WUF13 has also been widely covered by media outlets in Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, India, Jordan, Iraq, Mozambique and other countries.