BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 20. The Azerbaijani
capital has transformed this week into more than a global hub for
discussions on the future of cities. At World Urban Forum 13
(WUF13), Baku has also become a vibrant showcase of world cultures,
where delegates in traditional national dress are drawing as much
attention as the forum’s cutting-edge urban innovations, Trend reports.
More than 40,000 participants from 182 countries have registered
for the event, according to Trend Life. Alongside futuristic
pavilions and discussions on sustainable development, visitors are
being captivated by the colorful traditional attire worn by
delegations from across the globe.
Held from May 17–22 through a partnership between the United
Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) and the Government
of Azerbaijan, WUF13 has brought together architects, urban
planners, policymakers, and cultural representatives from every
continent.
Throughout the forum grounds, national costumes have turned
exhibition corridors into what many attendees describe as a living
cultural exhibition. Delegates are using traditional clothing to
highlight their countries’ identities, histories, and artistic
heritage.
Set against the backdrop of high-tech displays and digital
presentations, the traditional garments have also underscored a key
message of the forum: sustainable urban development cannot be
separated from the preservation of cultural heritage and national
identity.
This year’s edition of WUF13 includes 121 pavilions, 41 of them
national pavilions. Organized under the theme “Housing for All:
Safe and Sustainable Cities and Communities,” the forum focuses on
issues including the global housing crisis, climate resilience,
sustainable urbanization, and modern city governance.
But beyond policy discussions and infrastructure planning, it is
the forum’s cultural diversity that has given the event its most
dynamic atmosphere. Within minutes, visitors can experience
traditions from Africa, Latin America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle
East — all without leaving the exhibition halls in Baku.
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