Khankendi: Azerbaijan’s urban planning and climate resilience initiatives have gained international recognition as models of positive development, stated Anacl¡udia Rossbach, Executive Director of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), at the ‘3rd Azerbaijan Urban Forum’ (AZERBAIJANUF) held in Khankendi.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Rossbach highlighted the significance of the Forum as a pivotal moment for global urban policy, in conjunction with the upcoming 13th World Urban Forum (WUF13) set to take place in 2026. She emphasized the Forum’s crucial role in influencing the outcomes of COP30 and WUF13, aligning with the midpoint of implementing the ‘New Urban Agenda.’ Furthermore, 2026 will see the presentation of the Global Review of the 11th Sustainable Development Goal, ‘Sustainable Cities and Communities.’

Rossbach also revealed that the theme for WUF13 will be ‘A World with a Home: Security and Equality,’ aiming to draw greater focus on housing and urban equality issues. She underscored that the WUF13 event in Baku will serve as a vital platform for renewing global partnerships and commitments towards climate-resilient urban development.