BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 17. The first day of the
13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku has
concluded, Trend
reports.
More than 40,000 participants from 182 countries registered for
the forum, which is considered a record in the history of WUF.
WUF13, which will run until May 22, is being held jointly by the
UN Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) and the Government of
Azerbaijan.
On the first day of the forum, a ministerial meeting and a
ministerial roundtable dedicated to the New Urban Agenda were
organized.
As part of WUF13, an official flag-raising ceremony also took
place. The flag of the United Nations and the State Flag of the
Republic of Azerbaijan were raised.
In addition, the following events were organized: the “Civil
Society and Civic Initiatives Assembly,” the “Women’s Assembly:
Co-Creating Gender-Transformative Strategies,” a Business Assembly
session on “Private Sector Leadership in the Housing Value Chain:
Delivering Outcomes Amid Challenges,” the World Assembly of Local
and Regional Governments on “Local Leadership Driving a Renewed
Multilateralism,” as well as sessions on “Housing for Urban
Prosperity and Opportunity” and “Housing for Social Inclusion and
Poverty Eradication.”
Foreign participants who made statements expressed confidence
that WUF13 can serve as a model for the world in sustainable
development, modern urban governance, digital solutions, affordable
housing, and environmental approaches.
Volunteers positioned at every step within the Baku Olympic
Stadium provided prompt assistance to both the media and
participants.
