BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 18. Azerbaijan and
UN-Habitat plan to develop a guide for future organizers of the
World Urban Forum based on standards and practices introduced
during WUF13 in Baku, official said, Trend reports.
Speaking at a press conference marking the opening of the 13th
session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13), Anar Guliyev, chairman of
Azerbaijan’s State Committee for Urban Development and Architecture
and national coordinator of the forum, said the initiative would
build on the “Baku Standards” developed by the WUF13 Azerbaijan
Operating Company.
According to Guliyev, the forum drew 21,108 participants on its
opening day.
He said one of the key components of WUF13 is the Urban Expo,
which brings together governments, city administrations,
international organizations, academic institutions, innovators and
private-sector representatives to showcase urban development
solutions and partnerships.
The exhibition covers approximately 35,000 square meters, with
nearly half dedicated to exhibition space.
“The Urban Expo is featuring 260 organizations from 85
countries, represented in 122 stands and pavilions,” Guliyev
said.
According to him, participants include 15 academic and research
institutions, 136 civil society organizations, 44 private-sector
companies — including 14 startups — as well as 41 national
pavilions, 10 public-sector companies and six representatives of
local and regional governments.
Guliyev noted that Azerbaijan’s national pavilion, covering
1,500 square meters, highlights the country’s cultural heritage,
urban development initiatives, tourism potential and reconstruction
projects in the formerly occupied territories of Karabakh and East
Zangezur.
He said the pavilion was designed around the concept “From
Vision to Action with People” and reflects Azerbaijan’s broader
urban transformation efforts.
Guliyev added that organizers expect WUF13 to leave a lasting
legacy beyond the conclusion of the forum.
