Baku: An information session was held for media representatives to ensure effective communication on the thirteenth Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) to be held in Baku in May 2026, APA reports. The session took place on 30 January and aimed to provide the media with comprehensive information on WUF13, as well as opportunities to engage with officials from various Azerbaijani and international organizations.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the event featured officials from the Department for Work with NGOs and Communication of the Presidential Administration of Azerbaijan, the State Committee for Urban Planning and Architecture, the Media Development Agency, the Audiovisual Council, the Press Council, the WUF13 Azerbaijan Operations Company, and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat). Jamala Aliyeva, representing the Presidential Administration's Department for Work with NGOs and Communication and Coordinator of the WUF13 Communications Group, highlighted Azerbaijan's experience in hosting international events and emphasized the media's critical role in their success.
Katerina Bezgachina, Chief of Communications at UN-Habitat, who is currently visiting Azerbaijan, provided an overview of the World Urban Forum's history, objectives, and importance. She stated that the theme of WUF13, 'Housing the World: Safe and resilient cities and communities', addresses key urban challenges. She also noted that the event will coincide with the tenth anniversary of the New Urban Agenda, presenting a vital opportunity to prioritize housing in global discussions for the coming decade.
Jamila Ismayilzada, Substantive Content Manager at the WUF13 Azerbaijan Operations Company, discussed the importance of hosting WUF13 in Azerbaijan for promoting sustainable urban development and outlined the planned activities. Eldar Rasulov, Media Relations Manager at the WUF13 Azerbaijan Operations Company, announced the establishment of a dedicated media center to ensure thorough coverage of the 40 main sessions and around 350 partner-led events. He encouraged media representatives to complete the accreditation process and detailed the facilities and opportunities available to them during the event.