WUF13 showed Azerbaijan's growing diplomatic, organizational potential — OPINION

The 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) clearly demonstrated Azerbaijan's growing diplomatic capabilities and organizational skills, Political analyst Tofiq Abbasov told Report.

According to him, the session was organized at a high level:

"Azerbaijan uses advanced methods in holding such major events. Our country achieved significant successes by chairing the Non-Aligned Movement for four years. This was the result of innovative steps, innovative approaches and progressive ideas. Azerbaijani diplomacy has already gained serious experience in this area. Our elite is capable of mobilizing on such issues. During our chairmanship of the Non-Aligned Movement, we were able to establish an interparliamentary network and create conditions for the formation of new platforms for non-governmental organizations."

Abbasov said Azerbaijan also presented a format at WUF13 in which political elites and representatives of public diplomacy were involved in the process:

"It is already possible to speak of an Azerbaijani school in terms of holding such events. In addition, festivals were held in nine cities outside Baku as part of WUF13. Participants had the opportunity to become closely acquainted with Azerbaijan's regions. This was a very good approach. The next session, to be held in Mexico, gained useful experience from Azerbaijan's example."

The political analyst emphasized that WUF13 created an excellent example and left an important mark:

"The World Urban Forum has been held since the early 2000s. If Azerbaijan did not have the skills, experience and innovative approaches in this area, we would not have been entrusted with holding such an event. We showed the world how an event should be organized. We proved that we are a capable nation and that applying innovative approaches is not an obstacle for us. Azerbaijan demonstrated its growing potential at both COP29 and WUF13. We are proving in practice what a middle power means on a global scale. Azerbaijan shows that our capabilities are dynamic in nature, and that we are constantly developing both our theoretical and practical abilities."