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On May 18, within the framework of the 13th session of the UN World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku, a Leaders’ Statements Session was held with the participation of heads of state and government, senior representatives of international organizations, and heads of government institutions.
For the first time in the history of the World Urban Forum, a Leaders’ Statements Session was organized at the initiative of Azerbaijan. This initiative marked an important step toward increasing the political significance of the global sustainable urban development agenda and once again demonstrated Azerbaijan’s growing role as an international platform for strategic dialogue, international cooperation, and the promotion of global initiatives.
Among the participants were President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Japarov, President of the Republic of Kenya William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić, President of the Republic of Mauritius Dharambeer Gokhool, Vice President of the Republic of Bulgaria Iliana Iotova, King of the Kingdom of Eswatini Mswati III, Chairman of the Presidential Council of the State of Libya Mohamed Younis Al-Menfi, Vice President of the Republic of Zimbabwe Constantino Guveya Dominic Nyikadzino Chiwenga, Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Kobakhidze, Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov, Chief Minister of Punjab of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Environment of the Slovak Republic Tomáš Taraba, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction of the Kingdom of Cambodia Say Sam Al, Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Albania Albana Koçiu, Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine Oleksii Kuleba, Vice Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China Zhang Guoqing, Chairman of the House of Representatives of the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus Igor Sergeyenko, and Chairman of the State Committee for the Construction of Arkadag City under the President of Turkmenistan Deryageldi Orazov.
The session was moderated by Chairman of the State Committee on Urban Planning and Architecture of the Republic of Azerbaijan Anar Guliyev. In his opening remarks, he emphasized that the World Urban Forum is not only an important international conference, but also a key platform for promoting global urban policy, strengthening international partnerships, and contributing to the implementation of the New Urban Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals.
It was noted that WUF13 is taking place at a time of increasing global challenges related to climate change, urbanization, and infrastructure resilience. The organization of the Leaders’ Statements Session further enhanced the political significance of the Forum.
Speakers highlighted that the World Urban Forum serves as an important platform for discussing sustainable development and improving the quality of life of populations.
Participants expressed deep gratitude to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and the country’s leadership for the high-level organization of WUF13, the hospitality shown, and the favorable conditions created for effective international dialogue. It was noted that hosting the Forum in Baku reflects Azerbaijan’s growing international prestige and its active role in shaping the global sustainable development agenda.
Special attention was paid to the large-scale restoration and reconstruction efforts being carried out in Azerbaijan’s liberated territories. Participants highly praised the rapid implementation of modern urban planning projects, sustainable infrastructure, and the “smart city” and “smart village” concepts, describing them as an innovative and comprehensive model for post-conflict development.
The leaders also stressed the importance of strengthening international cooperation, exchanging experience, and jointly promoting innovative solutions to create more inclusive, sustainable, and livable cities.
The holding of the Leaders’ Statements Session within the framework of WUF13 became an important contribution by Azerbaijan to the global sustainable urban development agenda and once again demonstrated the country’s ability to bring the international community together around strategically important issues and create new platforms for dialogue.
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