BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 19. A panel discussion on
the theme "Bridging Grassroots Communities and Global Urban
Expertise" has been held within the framework of the 13th session
of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku, Trend reports.


During the session, the International Urban Planning Forum
(IUPF) was officially launched to serve as an essential link
between the 3 billion people living in inadequate housing
conditions and decision-makers worldwide.


Rolf Schuett, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the
International Urban Planning Forum (IUPF), delivered speech at the
event.


The third day of the 13th session of the World Urban Forum
(WUF13) is underway in Baku.







On the first day, a ministerial meeting dedicated to the New
Urban Agenda, a roundtable of ministers, assemblies of women and
civil society, business sessions, and discussions on urban
well-being were held. A ceremony for raising the flags of the
United Nations and Azerbaijan also took place within the framework
of the forum.


The second day of the forum drew attention with the first-ever
Leaders Summit. High-level discussions on the global housing
crisis, urbanization policy, and urban resilience were held that
day. At the same time, the Mexico City pavilion was inaugurated
within the framework of WUF13. The pavilion was presented as an
important platform for expanding cooperation with the Latin
American region and preparing for WUF14.


WUF13, which has attracted more than 40,000 registered
participants from 182 countries, will continue until May 22. Held
under the theme “Housing the world: Safe and resilient cities and
communities,” the forum brings together governments, international
organizations, experts, and representatives of civil society to
strengthen global cooperation in the field of sustainable urban
development.