The global spotlight shines brightly on Baku as it plays host to the 13th World Urban Forum (WUF13). Coming just a year and a half after its successful hosting of COP29, Azerbaijan has once again solidified its position as a premier diplomatic hub and a bridge between East and West. The opening ceremony of WUF13 was a powerful display of international solidarity, leadership, and vision, demonstrating that Azerbaijan is not simply participating in global conversations on sustainable development but is actively driving them.

The event commenced with a seamless display of high-level diplomacy. Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev, alongside First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva and the Executive Director of UN-Habitat, Anacláudia Rossbach, personally welcomed an extraordinary gathering of heads of state, government leaders, and international delegates. The subsequent family photo session, a poignant cultural programme, and a dedicated UN-Habitat opening video set a tone of shared purpose. With over 45,000 registered participants spanning 182 countries, WUF13 stands as the second-largest international gathering in Azerbaijan’s history, showcasing Baku’s world-class capacity to organise, secure, and inspire a global audience.

Baku: The living canvas of urban harmony and innovation

Baku itself serves as the ultimate backdrop and a living case study for the core themes of WUF13. The impressions of the visiting global dignitaries have been overwhelmingly positive, with many marvelling at the city's unique architectural landscape. Baku represents a rare, natural harmony where........

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