Baku: Hosting the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku is both a great honor and a serious responsibility for Azerbaijan, Chairman of the State Committee for Urban Planning and Architecture Anar Guliyev said during his speech, APA-Economics reports.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Guliyev emphasized that Baku, a city where historical heritage meets modern development, has become a key platform for global urban dialogue. This event marks an important stage, coinciding with the 10th anniversary of the adoption of the New Urban Agenda.

Guliyev highlighted the forum's significance in addressing pressing challenges such as rapid urbanization, housing shortages, climate risks, and post-conflict reconstruction. He stressed the multifaceted nature of housing, stating, "Housing is not only a social issue, but also a matter of economic development, climate resilience, and human dignity."

Furthermore, Guliyev advocated for a comprehensive approach to housing policy, which should encompass land use, transport, infrastructure, green spaces, and social integration, to ensure sustainable urban development.