Anar Guliyev: Civil society representatives made up 12% of WUF13 participants

At the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku, civil society representatives made up 12% of all participants, demonstrating their broad and active engagement, Anar Guliyev, chairman of the State Committee for Urban Planning and Architecture and National Coordinator of WUF13, said at the forum's final press conference, Report informs.

He noted that the creation of business and innovation centers has strengthened collaboration with the private sector, investors, and startups, and has enhanced the role of innovation in urban transformation.

"The broad representation of the private sector, which made up 13% of participants, is gratifying. The forum clearly demonstrated that urban transformation is more effective when governments, communities, and partners work together," Guliyev said.

He noted that one of the highlights of WUF13 was the Urban Expo, an exhibition covering over 10,000 square meters. It was attended by 260 organizations from 81 countries, represented at 122 stands and pavilions. Participants included governments, academia, civil society, public institutions, and the private sector, including startups.