International media widely covered the 13th Session of the UN World Urban Forum (WUF13) held in Baku, with reports focusing on urban resilience, housing, climate change, and Azerbaijan’s role as host and contributor to global urban development discussions.
According to coverage, Azerbaijan presented its post-conflict reconstruction experience and urban innovation projects, including “smart city,” “smart village,” and “green zone” initiatives, which were highlighted as examples of modern urban planning approaches applied in liberated territories, Caliber.Az reports via local media.
The international press also widely reported on the forum’s scale, participation of more than 57,000 delegates from over 170 countries, and discussions around housing affordability, climate resilience, digital transformation, and sustainable urban governance.
Turkish media coverage
Turkish outlets including Anadolu Agency, TRT Haber, CNN Türk, Haber Global, Yeni Şafak, Milliyet, Türkiye Gazetesi, Akşam, Star, and İhlas News Agency emphasised Baku’s role as a major global hub for urbanization discussions. They highlighted Azerbaijan’s organisational capacity and described the forum as a key platform for debates on smart cities, green energy, sustainable transport, and climate change.
Iranian media coverage
Iranian outlets including IRNA, ISNA, Mehr News, Tasnim, Fars News, ILNA, YJC, and Bultan News reported that WUF13 provided an important platform for developing countries to discuss urban planning challenges. Their coverage focused on regional cooperation, ecological urban development, and Azerbaijan’s “green city” initiatives.
Pakistani media coverage
In Pakistan, APP, Radio Pakistan, DND, The News, The Nation, and The Tribune highlighted the forum as a key venue for international cooperation on urbanisation. Reports noted presentations by the Pakistani delegation and emphasised the relevance of global partnerships in urban development.
Russian media coverage
Russian outlets including TASS, RIA Novosti, Interfax, Rossiyskaya Gazeta, and Vestnik Kavkaza emphasized Azerbaijan’s growing role in the international urban agenda. Coverage also noted that hosting WUF13 after COP29 demonstrated Azerbaijan’s capacity to organise major global events and suggested the forum’s outcomes could influence urban governance discussions.
Indian media coverage
Indian publications such as The Hindu, Times of India, Hindustan Times, and ANI described WUF13 as a key platform for global urban policy. They highlighted Baku’s emergence as a centre for international cooperation on sustainable urban development.
Central Asia and Caucasus
Kazakhstan’s Kazinform, Kazpravda, 24.kz, and Egemen Qazaqstan, along with Uzbekistan’s UZA, Kun.uz, Gazeta.uz, and Yuz.uz, described the forum as an important platform for regional cooperation and knowledge-sharing on sustainable urbanisation models. Georgian outlets Interpressnews, 1TV, and BM.ge also characterised WUF13 as a significant regional and international discussion platform.
Ukraine and Middle East
Ukrainian agencies such as Ukrinform, RBC-Ukraine, and Interfax-Ukraine focused on reconstruction, digital urbanisation, and sustainable infrastructure. Egyptian media including Al-Ahram, Youm7, and Al Masry Al Youm highlighted the forum’s relevance for the Middle East and Africa, while UAE outlets WAM, Al Ittihad, and Emarat Al Youm, along with Saudi outlets SPA, Al-Riyadh, and Okaz, emphasised Baku’s growing role in global urban policy discussions.
Western and global media
Global agencies and broadcasters including Associated Press, AFP, DPA, ANSA, EFE, BBC, Xinhua, Antara, Bernama, VNA, MTI, and BTA also reported on WUF13, focusing on global housing challenges, climate resilience, and urban transformation.
By Sabina Mammadli
