The World Urban Forum (WUF13) held in Baku is not only an event dedicated to urbanization issues, but also an important political platform that strengthens Azerbaijan's geopolitical, diplomatic and strategic position.
MP Vasif Gafarov said in an interview with Oxu.Az that the forum, with over 57,000 participants from 176 countries, was the largest session in WUF history.
As the second largest international event in Azerbaijan after COP29, it demonstrated the country's growing global diplomatic weight. The forum showed Azerbaijan is perceived as a reliable partner.
At the initiative of President Ilham Aliyev, the Leaders' Summit brought together 27 heads of state. This proved Baku is becoming a center for international political dialogue.
The ministerial meeting adopted a document highlighting Azerbaijan's hospitality and post-conflict reconstruction. The country's active role in the urbanization agenda was confirmed.
WUF13 was also important for presenting the reconstruction policy in liberated territories. Azerbaijan conveyed facts of urbicide and ecocide to the international community.
A high-level forum initiated by Leyla Aliyeva adopted the "Baku Call for Breathing Cities." The establishment of the Baku City Award shows Azerbaijan's desire to leave a mark on the global urban agenda.
Overall, WUF13 strengthened Azerbaijan's international prestige, reinforced the legitimacy of the Karabakh restoration policy, and expanded the country's global influence.
