This influential event is considered the world's most fundamental and primary platform dedicated to sustainable urban development and modern urbanization issues.
Organized in partnership between the UN Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) and the Government of Azerbaijan, this Forum unites representatives of state structures, international organizations, expert communities, and mass media on a common dialogue platform.
The World Urban Forum (WUF) was first established in 2001 by the United Nations to study one of the most pressing global problems — rapid urbanization processes and their impact on societies, the economy, climate change, and politics. Since the first meeting held in Nairobi (Kenya) in 2002, this Forum, convened every two years, has continuously expanded its scale and scope.
Today, the WUF is recognized as a high-level, open, and inclusive platform for sharing best practices and innovations, as well as for addressing the challenges of sustainable urbanization.
At the upcoming Forum in Baku, a number of pressing issues will be discussed, with the aim of achieving the following priority goals:
• Raising awareness of sustainable urbanization among the population and all stakeholders;
• Enriching collective knowledge on sustainable urban development through open debates, policy approaches, and experience exchange;
• Strengthening cooperation among various sectoral representatives involved in this process.
Within the framework of WUF13, hosted by Azerbaijan, a number of major events will take place, including assemblies, special sessions, dialogues, and roundtable discussions. Additionally, participants will have the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the latest urban solutions at the major "Urban Expo" exhibition organized by the UN, the Government of Azerbaijan, and other partners.
Beyond the main program, the Forum plans to host special events by partner organizations in seven thematic areas:
• "SDGs in Action";
• "ONE UN";
• "Urban Voices";
• Networking Events;
• WUF Academy assemblies;
• "Urban Library";
• "Urban Cinema".
This World Urban Forum is expected to be a significant step in developing the most important urbanistic approaches on the global agenda and shaping the image of future cities.
