Baku: The World Urban Forum 13 (WUF13) began its first day with a significant flag raising ceremony and assembly sessions in Baku. Among the key events was the Ministerial Meeting on the New Urban Agenda, introduced as a new initiative within the WUF13 programme under Azerbaijan's chairmanship.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the meeting was attended by representatives from over 100 countries and focused on reviewing the progress of the New Urban Agenda. It also assessed existing challenges and identified strategic priorities for the next implementation phase as the Agenda reaches its midpoint. Speakers expressed gratitude to the Government of Azerbaijan for its hospitality and high-level organisation of WUF13, which has attracted more than 40,000 participants from 182 countries.
The leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, along with the efforts of UN-Habitat and its Executive Director Anacl¡udia Rossbach, was commended for creating a crucial international platform aimed at advancing cooperation on housing and sustainable urban development. Discussions emphasized addressing housing in connection with other sectors, such as land governance, infrastructure, transport, public services, and climate action.
Participants called for integrated approaches that strengthen urban-rural linkages and balanced territorial development. The meeting concluded with the adoption of the Chair's Summary. Delegations highlighted the impact of wars and disasters on cities, stressing the importance of reconstruction efforts in post-conflict environments. Azerbaijan's experience in recovery and reconstruction was presented as a model for other countries.
A symbolic moment of the day was the WUF13 Flag Raising Ceremony, attended by Anar Guliyev, Chairman of the State Committee on Urban Planning and Architecture of Azerbaijan, and Anacl¡udia Rossbach of UN-Habitat. The ceremony saw the ceremonial hoisting of the United Nations and Republic of Azerbaijan flags.
The Forum's opening day also featured the Joint Opening of the Assemblies, with sessions dedicated to various thematic areas and stakeholder groups, including the Women's Assembly and the Business Assembly. The Global Water Operators' Partnerships Alliance (GWOPA) Assembly, a new addition to this year's programme, was also part of the event, marking its first inclusion under the World Urban Forum.
Held under the theme 'Housing the world: Safe and resilient cities and communities,' WUF13 is scheduled from 17 to 22 May, bringing together thousands of participants, including heads of state, ministers, mayors, business leaders, and civil society members.