The 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) officially begins in Baku today, bringing together thousands of participants from around the world to discuss the future of sustainable urban development.
According to Report, the event is being held at the Baku Olympic Stadium and will continue through May 22.
The forum is jointly organized by the UN Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) and the Government of Azerbaijan.
WUF13 is regarded as one of the most significant international platforms hosted by Azerbaijan in recent years.
More than 40,000 participants from 182 countries have registered for the event, marking a record level of participation in the forum's history.
The figure is seen as evidence of the forum's growing global influence and rising international interest in Azerbaijan.
The forum will feature discussions on sustainable urban planning, climate change, urbanization, affordable housing, digital transformation, and green city models.
WUF13 will also serve as a key dialogue platform bringing together government officials, city leaders, international organizations, experts, investors, and civil society representatives from across the world.
Special attention during the event will be given to Azerbaijan's large-scale reconstruction and urban development projects in Karabakh and East Zangazur.
The country plans to present its smart city and smart village initiatives implemented in the liberated territories, as well as efforts to transform the region into a green energy zone, as a modern model for urbanization and ecological restoration.
The forum is also expected to showcase Azerbaijan's growing experience in hosting major international events and its expanding role in global cooperation platforms.
Hosting WUF13 is considered significant both for strengthening the country's international standing and promoting its policies on sustainable development and modern urban planning.
In addition to the UN's six official languages - Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish - simultaneous interpretation will also be provided in Azerbaijani and Turkish during the event.
WUF13 also stands out as the first edition of the forum to include a Leaders Summit segment in its program, further increasing the event's political and strategic importance.