Baku: Chinese media has extensively covered the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) hosted in Baku, showcasing Azerbaijan's pivotal role in the global urban development agenda.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, an article by Humbat Musayev, First Deputy Editor-in-Chief of 'Khalg' newspaper, was published on the official websites of China's Xinhua News Agency and People's Daily. The article, titled 'The Baku Agenda for Safe and Sustainable Cities: WUF13 as a New Platform for Azerbaijani-Chinese Cooperation', underscores the significance of the forum and Azerbaijan's contributions.
The publication of the article in such prominent Chinese media outlets reflects the attention given to Azerbaijan's efforts in sustainable urban development. The forum, a first in the Caucasus region, highlighted Azerbaijan's organizational capabilities and its role as a bridge between East and West. It also emphasized issues of building safe, sustainable, and inclusive cities, with Azerbaijan's work in Garabagh and East Zangezur serving as practical examples of modern urbanization through 'smart city' and 'smart village' concepts.
Musayev's article also delves into the evolving Azerbaijan-China relations. It highlights the historic efforts of National Leader Heydar Aliyev in establishing these ties, continued by President Ilham Aliyev, and the trust between Azerbaijan and China under President Xi Jinping. The presence of Xi's special representative at WUF13 and the meeting with President Aliyev further underscore China's commitment to the Baku Forum. The article also suggests that Azerbaijan can learn from China's experience in smart cities and sustainable urban practices.
WUF13 is portrayed as a testament to Azerbaijan's active engagement in international urban dialogues and as a platform for strengthening Azerbaijani-Chinese cooperation. The forum's message advocates for cities that prioritize safety, climate resilience, social justice, and human dignity over mere technological and infrastructural development. Housing is emphasized as a cornerstone for a sustainable urban model.
Xinhua and People's Daily are key players in China's media landscape, with extensive reach and influence. Xinhua's social media accounts have over a billion followers, while People's Daily's platforms reach 940 million readers. The article's publication on these platforms signifies the international resonance of the Baku agenda and the importance of sharing Azerbaijan's achievements with a global audience.