Baku: An information session for government agency representatives took place on January 29, as part of the preparations for the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13). The session centered around promoting sustainability principles.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, Deputy Chairman of the State Committee for Urban Planning and Architecture of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Dovlatkhan Dovlatkhanov, emphasized the significance of the WUF13 event, scheduled from May 17-22 in Baku, in his opening remarks. The session also featured contributions from Ilgar Gasimly, Head of Sector at the Ministry of Economy's Department for Cooperation with International Organizations, and Viktor Kovalenko, EY Regional Leader for Central Asia, the Caucasus, and Ukraine, who both described WUF13 as a leading global urban planning conference with extensive international participation.

During the session, representatives from WUF13 Azerbaijan Operations Company and EY Azerbaijan presented on sustainable urban development, addressing both global and national challenges. They also outlined the sustainability objectives essential to the delivery of the WUF13 event. The session provided insights into the Forum's main sessions, partner-led events, assemblies, and roundtable discussions, highlighting the importance of strong national representation and active participation.

The event was attended by the UN Coordinator for WUF13, Abdinassir Shel Sagar, alongside over 70 participants from various government institutions. The WUF13 event, recognized as a prestigious international platform for dialogue and cooperation in urban planning, will take place in Baku under the theme 'Housing for All: Safe and Sustainable Cities and Human Settlements.' This event will offer participants the opportunity to exchange knowledge, establish partnerships, and contribute to the global urban agenda.