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Photo credit: © UN-Habitat/Jessica Jones-Langley

By Haifa Alshammari

RIYADH: Organized by the United Nations Human Settlements Programme, the 13th World Urban Forum (WUF13) opened this week in Baku under the theme: “Housing the World: Safe and Resilient Cities and Communities.”

The global gathering is addressing some of the most pressing challenges linked to rapid urban expansion, while exploring strategies to advance sustainable housing policies and strengthen the resilience of cities worldwide.

Discussions are also focusing on innovation and digital transformation in urban planning, with participants exchanging expertise and insights aimed at improving urban communities and enhancing quality of life.

“It is a great honour to be the host country for WUF13,” Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev told media outlets on the forum’s opening day.

Aliyev explained that the number of participants is at a record high, which demonstrates the importance of the topic and reflects the strong international connections of the host country.

The opening day brought together local and international officials from the urban development and housing sectors, including Saudi Minister of Municipalities and Housing Majed Alhogail, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić.

“For us, it is an opportunity to report to the audience and the international community on what has been achieved so far, outline our future plans, and learn from our partners,” Aliyev said.

The Azerbaijani president also underscored the importance of balancing modernization with the preservation of historical and architectural heritage, stressing that the two priorities “should go hand in hand.”

The 13th World Urban Forum is being held in Baku from May 17 to May 22.