Baku: Anacl¡udia Rossbach, Executive Director of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), has expressed gratitude to President Ilham Aliyev for the successful organization of the 13th Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13).

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, Anacl¡udia Rossbach conveyed her appreciation through a letter addressed to the Azerbaijani President. She highlighted the significance of WUF13 as a pivotal event for the global housing community and UN-Habitat, noting the record attendance from diverse stakeholders including national and local governments, civil society, academia, and the private sector. The forum's success was attributed to Azerbaijan's strong commitment, leadership, and hospitality, which facilitated effective preparation and organization.

WUF13 was notable as the first session held in the Eastern Europe and Central Asia region. It achieved several ambitious outcomes, including the adoption of the Baku Call to Action and the Chairs' Summary from the Ministerial Meeting. The forum also hosted the largest Urban Expo in its history and introduced innovative initiatives such as the WUF Academy, the Business and Innovation Hub, and the Practices Hub. These efforts contributed significantly to global cooperation and the advancement of the New Urban Agenda and Sustainable Development Goal 11.

The forum established lasting legacies, including the 'WUF13 Baku Standards', which will serve as an operational guide for future World Urban Forum sessions, and the Baku Urban Award. These initiatives underscore the forum's impact on sustainable urban development and its role as a platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange, and practical solutions.