The 13th Session of the UN World Urban Forum (WUF13), which started in Baku on May 17, is in the focus of world media.
Modern.az reports that the materials published by international media organizations regarding the Session emphasized that Azerbaijan hosted this prestigious event at a high level, and noted that the event is an important platform for presenting the steps taken by the participating countries in this field, as well as for establishing and deepening cooperation.
Articles published in Pakistan's “The Nation”, “Daily Times”, “The News” publications stated that the brotherly country was represented at WUF13 with a large delegation consisting of ministers and other high-ranking officials. The news highlighted that Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Chief Minister of Punjab province of Pakistan, will present Punjab's affordable housing project to an international audience. At the same time, the materials emphasized that WUF13 is a platform of international importance, bringing together world leaders, investors and urban planning experts. In addition, it was noted with satisfaction that Azerbaijan successfully hosted this prestigious event, and the Pakistani delegation was welcomed with high hospitality in Baku.
China's “Xinhua” agency also published a series of articles about WUF13 hosted by Azerbaijan. The articles noted that WUF13 is an important global platform for urban planning, affordable housing and sustainable urban development, emphasized that Baku prepared for the event at a high level against the background of modern infrastructure, green spaces and the harmony of historical and cultural heritage, and brought to the attention of readers that Azerbaijan has formed a successful model in the field of sustainable urban planning. At the same time, referring to the opinions of Chinese experts, it was stated that China's experience in urbanization and affordable housing is a useful example for Azerbaijan and other developing countries, and WUF13 is important for Baku in terms of long-term urban renewal and strengthening international cooperation.
A series of articles about WUF13 were also published in Russian-language publications. Articles published on “Moscow-baku.ru”, “Vestnik Kavkaza” and other portals emphasized that more than 40,000 participants from more than 180 countries were registered at the event jointly organized by the Azerbaijani government and UN-Habitat. It was noted that for the first time, ministerial meetings and Leader Summit segments were also organized within the framework of the Session. It was noted that the discussions in Baku were mainly devoted to affordable housing, sustainable urbanization, climate resilience and “smart city” models, and Azerbaijan presented its reconstruction and green energy zone projects in Karabakh and Eastern Zangazur to the international community.
The French-language publication “Lagazetteaz.fr” reflected the views of UN-Habitat Executive Director Maimunah Mohd Sharif on WUF13. The article stated that this event plays an important international platform role for the urban planning agenda. The article also emphasized that the event, hosted at a high level by Baku, is a key venue for global discussions around urban planning, sustainable development and “Housing for All”. At the same time, it was noted that within the framework of WUF13, through ministerial meetings and other formats, the formation of political consensus on the “New Urban Agenda” and the determination of priorities for the next decade are targeted.
The Egyptian press also paid extensive attention to WUF13. Materials published in this country's “The Egyptian Gazette”, “Youm7”, “El Balad”, “Vetogate”, “Al Dostor”, “Al-Usbua”, “Al Qarar Al Arabi”, “Business News Egypt”, “Anbaa Alyoum”, “Nile.eg” and other publications emphasized that WUF13, jointly organized by Azerbaijan and UN-Habitat, is a key platform for global discussions in the field of urban planning, sustainable development and affordable housing. It was noted that this important event, hosted at a high level by Baku, is an important international dialogue space for global political and strategic discussions around the “New Urban Agenda”. The news stated that Egypt shared its urban planning experience, especially its achievements in the field of affordable housing, with the international audience at the session.
Materials published in Uzbekistan's “Kun.uz”, “Podrobno.uz”, “UzDaily”, “UZA”, “Gazeta.uz”, “Zamin.uz” publications reflected that WUF13 is an influential international platform where important issues regarding global urbanization challenges, sustainable development, social life and housing provision are discussed. At the same time, it was emphasized that this event, hosted at a high level by Baku, is an important global dialogue platform for cooperation within the UN framework and discussion of urban planning solutions. The news evaluates the business trip of Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to Baku and his participation in the event as an important event demonstrating Uzbekistan's active position in the international urban planning agenda.
Materials from Malaysia's “Bernama” agency, as well as this country's “The Sun” and “SABA News” publications, drew attention to WUF13, a key platform for global urbanization and sustainable urban development, acting as an important dialogue platform in shaping the international urban planning agenda. It was emphasized that Malaysia supports the expansion of cooperation in this field and global initiatives in urban planning at the session.
News published by Kenyan media organizations “Saccoreview”, “People Daily”, “The-star.co.ke”, “Capitalfm”, “Kenyans.co.ke”, “Kenyafrontline.com”, “Standardmedia.co.ke” stated that President William Ruto was invited to WUF13 for this country's successes in affordable housing and sustainable urban development. It was noted that President Ruto will present the Kenyan government's affordable housing program during WUF13 and will seek to attract new international partners and investors for urban planning projects. The news also covered the meeting of the Kenyan head of state with the President of Azerbaijan.
News about WUF13 was also widely covered by media outlets published in Turkey, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, India, Jordan, Iraq, Mozambique and other countries.
