The 13th session of the United Nations World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku has drawn strong international participation, with officials from Pakistan and Bahrain praising Azerbaijan’s role in advancing sustainable urban development and fostering global cooperation on housing and planning challenges.
Speaking on the sidelines of the forum, Sikander Zeeshan, Director General (DG) of Pakistan’s Punjab Housing and Town Planning Agency, described WUF13 as one of the most significant global platforms addressing urbanisation, Caliber.Az reports via local media.
He said the challenges of rapid urban growth, including climate change and infrastructure pressures, require developing countries to learn from international experience and strengthen cooperation.
“For countries like Pakistan, it is extremely important to find ways to address these challenges and study the experience of other nations,” he said, adding that the forum could make “a significant contribution to ensuring the sustainability of cities.”
Zeeshan also praised Azerbaijan’s role as host, noting that it had brought together diverse stakeholders to address urban development issues.
“These efforts by the government of Azerbaijan deserve praise. If this experience continues, we will be able to achieve the development of sustainable and liveable cities,” he said, expressing confidence that WUF13 would deliver meaningful outcomes.
He further highlighted green energy and environmental protection as key pillars of sustainable urban planning for densely populated countries such as Pakistan.
Separately, Amna bint Ahmed Al-Rumaihi, Bahrain’s Minister of Housing and Urban Planning, also underscored the importance of the forum, describing WUF13 as a key international platform attracting wide global engagement.
She said Bahrain was participating with a dedicated national stand showcasing joint projects with the private sector in social housing, reflecting efforts to expand international cooperation in the sector.
Al-Rumaihi noted that affordable housing has become one of the most pressing global challenges due to rising construction costs, limited land availability and increasing financial pressures. “We must put forward new and sustainable solutions to overcome the difficulties we face daily and ensure affordable housing for citizens,” she said.
Praising Azerbaijan’s broader development achievements, she thanked the host country for organising the forum and suggested that Baku could become an important partner for Manama in urban development cooperation.
“We would be pleased to sign memoranda of understanding with Azerbaijan in the field of training and exchange of experience,” she added, noting that Bahrain’s presence at WUF13 reflects its intention to strengthen business and institutional ties with Azerbaijan.
By Aghakazim Guliyev
