Baku: A series of key events marked the second day of the 13th Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13), hosted in Baku. The official opening ceremony of WUF13 was attended by President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, President Ilham Aliyev and Anacl¡udia Rossbach, Executive Director of UN-Habitat, welcomed heads of state, government officials, and delegation leaders at the session. This welcoming ceremony was followed by an official group photograph. The event included a film screening by UN-Habitat and a cultural programme to commemorate the opening of WUF13.
President Aliyev noted that over 45,000 participants from 182 countries had registered for the Forum. He highlighted Azerbaijan's efforts in organizing national urban forums in cities that were once under occupation and discussed the government's priorities, including the Great Return Programme. Video messages from UN Secretary-General Ant³nio Guterres and UN General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock were also featured.
Following the ceremony, Leaders' Statements were delivered, with representatives expressing appreciation to President Aliyev and recognizing the Forum's high organizational standards. The day's agenda included a press conference with Anacl¡udia Rossbach, Anar Guliyev, and Hon. Nga Kor Ming. The briefing covered topics like sustainable urban development, affordable housing, rapid urbanization, and international cooperation.
The Urban Expo was officially opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, attended by Rossbach and Guliyev. The Expo showcases innovative urban development and housing approaches, featuring 130 pavilions from 82 countries. The Azerbaijan pavilion, covering 1,500 square metres, is the largest and has drawn significant interest.
Over the first two days, WUF13 attracted over 25,000 participants from 162 countries in both in-person and online formats. Registrations have reached nearly 60,000 from 182 countries, making it one of the largest World Urban Forum editions. The event emphasizes gender balance, with women representing 56 per cent of speakers.
Running from May 17 to 22 under the theme 'Housing the World: Safe and Resilient Cities and Communities', WUF13 is co-hosted by UN-Habitat and the Azerbaijani Government. The Forum gathers participants from diverse sectors, including heads of state, ministers, and civil society members.