Nairobi: A delegation led by Anar Quliyev, Chairman of the State Committee on Urban Planning and Architecture of the Republic of Azerbaijan and National Coordinator of the Thirteenth Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13), participated in the 3rd Session of the Executive Board of UN-Habitat held in Nairobi, Republic of Kenya, the State Committee on Urban Planning and Architecture told APA.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the two-day event included a special briefing for delegations and heads of diplomatic missions accredited in Kenya. This briefing, which saw the attendance of more than 200 participants, provided comprehensive information on the essence of WUF13, preparation processes, key initiatives, planned events, and activities. It also highlighted opportunities for participation and partnership ahead of the Forum, scheduled to take place in Baku from 17-22 May 2026.
During the briefing, Anar Guliyev emphasized the significance of WUF13, which will focus on the theme ‘Housing the World: Safe and Resilient Cities and Communities.’ He noted its importance in strengthening international cooperation in sustainable urban development and showcasing Azerbaijan’s contributions to global processes with its international partners. For the first time in the Forum’s history, a Leaders’ Summit will be organized with Heads of State and Government.
UN-Habitat Executive Director Anacl¡udia Rossbach commended the Government of Azerbaijan for its active efforts in preparing for the Forum, appreciating the country’s commitment to the global urban agenda. She highlighted that WUF13 would serve as an important milestone for all partners to renew their commitments to ensuring adequate housing for all.
Following the briefing, a media meeting was held where questions related to WUF13 preparations were addressed. Within the session’s agenda, Anar Guliyev presented on behalf of Azerbaijan and Somalia, the countries elected as Co-Chairs of the Intergovernmental Working Group of the UN-Habitat Assembly on the resolution ‘Adequate Housing for All’ for 2025-2026. The presentation outlined plans to advance this process during the co-chairmanship.
A formal reception was hosted by Azerbaijan for participating delegations and heads of the diplomatic corps as the host country of WUF13. Throughout the session, Anar Quliyev engaged in discussions with heads of delegations from various countries.
Over the course of the two days, the WUF13 promotional stand at the UN-Habitat headquarters attracted significant interest from visitors. It is noteworthy that Azerbaijan’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Kenya and Congo (Brazzaville), Permanent Representative to UN-Habitat in Nairobi, Sultan Hajiyev, along with representatives from the Presidential Administration, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the State Committee on Urban Planning and Architecture, participated in the events.