BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 26. Holding such a
prestigious international event as WUF13 in Azerbaijan is a new
success of the far-sighted internal and foreign policy pursued by
President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, Speaker of
Parliament Sahiba Gafarova said at today's plenary session of the
parliament, Trend
reports.


The speaker emphasized that the participation of a record number
of representatives from countries around the world in the session -
up to 60,000 - once again demonstrated how much trust Azerbaijan
has gained as a reliable partner and a place for global
dialogue.


In his speech at the opening of the forum, President Ilham
Aliyev spoke about the projects implemented in the field of modern
urban planning in Baku and other regions of Azerbaijan. President
Ilham Aliyev especially noted that urban planning traditions in
Azerbaijan have deep historical roots. Over the centuries, a rich
urban culture has been formed here, and unique architectural
monuments have been created. Today, Azerbaijan, in addition to
preserving its historical heritage, also applies modern standards
of sustainable development and advanced approaches in urban
planning. In this regard, restoration and construction work in the
liberated territories is of exceptional importance. In Karabakh and
East Zangezur, not only new settlements, but also a modern living
environment is being created.


According to Gafarova, the declaration of 2026 as the “Year of
Urban Planning and Architecture” in Azerbaijan is of particular
significance.


“The organization of the World Urban Forum during such a period
demonstrates that issues related to urban planning, architecture,
and sustainable development occupy an important place not only
within Azerbaijan’s domestic agenda, but also in the framework of
its international activities,” she stated.


The speaker also emphasized the participation of Azerbaijani
members of parliament in the work of the forum.


“They actively engaged in the panel sessions and delivered
noteworthy speeches during the discussions. The parliamentary
dimension of sustainable development is acquiring increasing
importance. Legislative bodies play a substantial role in
establishing the legal foundations for contemporary urban planning,
environmental security, the effective management of territories,
and the enhancement of citizens’ quality of life,” she
concluded.