BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 18. No session of this
nature has ever brought together such a large global audience as
the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13), Executive
Director of the United Nations Human Settlements Program
(UN-Habitat) Anacláudia Rossbach said at the opening ceremony of
the 13th session of the World Forum of Cities (WUF13) in Baku,
Trend reports.


According to her, it's no coincidence that tens of thousands of
people from different communities and high-level leaders from
around the world have come together in Baku.


"Our goal is to find an answer to the question: "How can we
ensure adequate housing for all in times of uncertainty,
instability, and destruction?


Despite the heavy rains and storms that have affected parts of
Azerbaijan in recent days, we have come together in Baku with
resilience, determination, and a sense of common purpose. We see
teamwork and rapid response here. The level of interest and
participation here is exceptional. No session of this nature has
ever brought together such a large and diverse global audience as
WUF13. This further demonstrates that housing and sustainable urban
development are at the heart of our shared future," the executive
director said.


Rossbach thanked the Azerbaijani Government for hosting WUF13
and noted that WUF13 is an opportunity to accelerate implementation
through practical action, partnerships, and investments.







WUF13 is taking place in Baku from May 17 through 22 within the
framework of cooperation between the UN-Habitat program and the
Government of Azerbaijan.


The event's program brings together various stakeholders and
representatives of like-minded groups to discuss one of the most
pressing global challenges – the issue of housing provision.


Dedicated to the theme "Housing the World: Safe and Resilient
Cities and Communities," WUF13 gathers national governments from
around the world, as well as communities, professionals, and
partners to exchange views, shape policy approaches, and accelerate
action toward solutions in sustainable urban development.


The program provides an opportunity for high-level discussions
through practical, solution-oriented platforms and interactive
meeting formats, ensuring that global policy is anchored in local
experience.