La nostra Gazzetta: Baku city is fully prepared to host WUF13

Baku is fully prepared for hosting the Thirteenth Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13), Elnur Jamalkhanov stated in an article published on the well-known Italian website La nostra Gazzetta, Report informs.

The author noted that under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan has achieved inclusive and sustainable development in the transport sector, as in other sectors of the economy: "Currently, with 7.1%, transport and warehousing is the third largest sector in the structure of the gross domestic product. In 2025, new value worth 9.17 billion manats ($5.39 billion) was created in the transport sector. This represents the real result of reforms carried out in the transport sector."

The article noted that next month, the Azerbaijani capital will host WUF13, considered the world's second-largest event after COP29: "The forum, to be held from May 17 to 22, is one of the most prestigious platforms where global urban governance, infrastructure, and sustainable urban strategies are discussed. Baku is ready to welcome WUF13 participants with a fully prepared, centralized, and coordinated transport system, ready to achieve maximum efficiency from every detail."

According to him, the experience gained particularly at COP29 and other global forums has been directed toward the professional planning and optimization of Baku's transport infrastructure and services: "This experience enables Baku to offer guests comfortable, safe, and fast transport options at WUF13, as well as to strengthen the city's image on the international stage. Baku's transport system operates on a centralized coordination platform through the collaboration of the Azerbaijan Land Transport Agency (AYNA), Baku Taxi Service under AZCON Holding, BakuBus, as well as the Baku Metro and other related entities. Each organization operates in sync with the operations committee, transport flow is optimized across various zones of the city, and the operation of both public transport and taxi services is brought to maximum efficiency. This approach ensures a comfortable and well-planned transport experience not only for local residents but also for foreign vistors."

Jamalkhanov emphasized that during the forum, Baku's roads, bus routes, taxi stations, and other transport infrastructure have been planned in advance: "Every detail - congestion analysis, route planning, road signs, and electronic indicators - is prepared under the supervision of the operations committee. This ensures that the city's transport system is both functionally and visually accessible and comfortable for guests. Baku Taxi and BakuBus services have made special preparations to meet the main transport needs of forum participants. Baku Taxi Service is ready both for short-distance trips within the city and for comfortable transportation of guests from hotels to forum centers. BakuBus provides service with precise schedules and pre-optimized routes in accordance with global standards. Information about every route and stop is provided for foreign guests through both mobile applications and physical information boards."

The Italian media reported that Baku's centralized transport system is not limited to technical preparation alone: "Here, people's comfort, sincerity in service, and hospitality are also at the forefront. Every stop, every bus station, every taxi service is designed to earn guests' satisfaction. This approach aligns not only the city's physical infrastructure but also its service quality with international standards. All this preparation and coordination lays the groundwork for Baku to be presented as an excellent host at WUF13. Forum participants will be able to both discover the city's rich culture and historical sites and benefit from comfortable, safe, and fast transportation options. Baku has created an example of a centralized, coordinated, and excellent transport system for both local residents and global guests."

In conclusion, it was emphasized that Baku is fully prepared for WUF13: "Lessons learned from past experiences, a professional operations committee, planned execution, and the coordination of AYNA, Baku Taxi, BakuBus, and the Baku Metro are enabling all transport elements to work in sync. Forum participants and guests will be able to discover the city with a positive, stress-free, and excellent experience. Baku is ready to set an international example with its transport preparations at WUF13. This will create conditions for Azerbaijan to once again showcase its developed potential and capabilities."