BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 21. The World Urban Forum
(WUF13) in Baku functions as a massive, high-tier global platform
facilitating critical cross-border knowledge transfers among urban
planning specialists from around the world, Dayana Aidarova, an
architect and urbanist from Kazakhstan, said, Trend reports.


Aidarova described the forum as a major platform for exchanging
experience among specialists from different countries.


“Participation in such events allows architects, designers,
engineers and environmentalists to find partners for collaboration
and build international professional networks,” she said.


Aidarova said the Kazakh delegation presented a number of urban
development initiatives at the forum, including methodological
guides and standards for landscaping, as well as concepts aimed at
creating a unified architectural style for cities.


“A modern city must be not only comfortable and functional, but
also stylish,” she said. “It is important that a unified aesthetic
and visual harmony are maintained throughout the urban
environment.”


According to Aidarova, a well-designed urban style helps create
an environment where people enjoy living and spending time.


She also praised the organization of WUF13 in Baku and
highlighted the support provided by organizers in preparing
Kazakhstan’s national pavilion.


Discussing urban development priorities for the coming years,
Aidarova said cities should be designed with people at the
center.


“Particular attention must be paid to inclusion and creating a
comfortable environment for people with disabilities so that they
can move freely around the city,” she said. “The urban environment
must be convenient, accessible and aesthetically pleasing for
everyone.”


Today marks the fifth day of WUF13 in Baku.







The first day included a ministerial meeting dedicated to the
New Urban Agenda, a ministerial roundtable, assemblies for women
and civil society, business sessions, and discussions on urban
prosperity. An official ceremony marking the raising of the UN and
Azerbaijani flags also took place.


The second day stood out for the inaugural Leaders' Summit,
featuring high-level discussions on the global housing crisis,
urbanization policy, and urban resilience. Concurrently, the
opening of the Mexico City pavilion took place, serving as a
significant platform for expanding cooperation with the Latin
American region and preparing for WUF14.


The third day of WUF13 featured a comprehensive program of
events covering the global housing crisis, the formation of safe
and inclusive cities, climate resilience, artificial intelligence
and urban governance, green urbanization, social equity, and
sustainable transport.


One of the highlights of the third day was the signing of a
sister-city memorandum between the Azerbaijani city of Shusha and
the Turkish city of Trabzon.


The fourth day of WUF13 featured a broad program of events
dedicated to urbanization, climate change, inclusive urban
development, housing policy, and sustainable governance.


One of the important events of the UN Special Programme for the
Economies of Central Asia (SPECA) Cities Forum, held on the fourth
day, was the announcement of Almaty’s official accession to the
“Declaration of Intent on the Establishment of the SPECA Smart
Climate-Resilient Cities Forum.”


Also, for the first time in WUF history and at Azerbaijan’s
initiative, the “WUF13 NGO Forum: Global Partnership and
Decision-Making” was held.


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.