BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 22. The coming decade
must be dedicated to real change, Chairman of the State Committee
for Urban Planning and Architecture of Azerbaijan, Anar Guliyev,
said at the official closing ceremony of the 13th session of the UN
World Urban Forum (WUF13), Trend reports.


According to him, the message from Baku is clear: the era of
mere ambitions is over.


He noted that the Smart and Sustainable Habitats for Safe Return
(4SR) Package has gained widespread support as a practical recovery
model within the global urban planning debate.


"The coming decade must be dedicated to delivering results,
ensuring accountability and creating real change in people's lives.
A sustainable urban future requires solidarity, collaboration and
shared responsibility. The message from Baku is clear: the era of
mere ambition is over. The next decade must be characterized by
ensuring adequate housing for all, sustainable communities and a
sustainable urban future.


The scale and diversity of the WUF13 program once again
demonstrated the growing global importance of urban issues. More
than 400 events were held within the framework of the Forum,
including dialogues, special sessions, round tables, assemblies and
events organized by partners. The main sessions were attended by
400 speakers from 125 countries.


He noted that the main strength of the World Urban Forum is its
inclusiveness.


"The WUF brings together diverse groups of society as equal
partners in shaping the future of cities and communities. In this
regard, we are pleased that WUF13 is a largely stakeholder-driven
forum. To reflect the breadth of participation, six Advisory
Councils were established, contributing to the development of the
Baku Action Plan, one of the main outcomes of WUF13.


For the first time in the history of the Forum, an NGO Forum was
held within the framework of WUF13. Bringing together approximately
800 participants and over 100 countries, this platform highlighted
the important role of civil society, local communities and public
organizations in shaping an inclusive, sustainable and
people-centered urban future. The NGO Forum adopted the Baku
Declaration on Urban Sustainability and Global Cooperation.


The Declaration reiterated the importance of solidarity,
partnership, international coordination and more inclusive urban
development in addressing contemporary urban challenges, including
the global housing crisis.


One of the most important innovations introduced at WUF13 was
the establishment of the Business and Innovation Hub. This platform
brought together startups, private sector representatives,
investors, innovators, governments and development partners for
dialogue and collaboration. The fact that the private sector
accounted for 13% of the total participants demonstrates its
growing role in promoting sustainable urban development.


"One of the main features of WUF13 was the Urban Expo, which
covered an area of ​​over 34,000 square meters. With a total
exhibition area of ​​over 10,000 square meters, the Expo
demonstrated the growing global interest and participation in the
World Urban Forum. The exhibition featured 260 organizations from
81 countries with 121 stands and pavilions. Among the participants
were governments, academic institutions, civil society
organizations, public institutions and representatives of the
private sector," Guliyev noted.