The 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13), held in Baku, further confirmed Azerbaijan’s growing international standing, Azerbaijani MP Sabina Salmanova told.
She noted that the forum, which brought together over 57,000 participants from 176 countries, made history as one of the largest events of its kind. WUF13, the second-largest international event hosted in Azerbaijan after COP29, once again demonstrated the country’s status as a reliable platform for global solidarity, multilateral cooperation, and international partnership.
According to her, the choice of Baku as the venue for WUF13 was no coincidence.
Sabina Salmanova
“This decision is a logical result of the high level of trust Azerbaijan has built in international relations in recent years, its status as a reliable partner, and its contribution to global initiatives. In today’s world, hosting major international events cannot be achieved solely by developing infrastructure. Political stability, security, professionalism in organizing processes, effective interaction with international partners, and strong management potential are essential. Azerbaijan, meeting all these criteria, has repeatedly proven its capabilities in practice. International humanitarian forums, the Non-Aligned Movement Summit, major sporting competitions, energy forums, and global events like COP29 have demonstrated the country’s high level of organizational capabilities. WUF13 continues this successful tradition,” she emphasized.
Sabina Salmanova noted that Azerbaijan’s achievements are rooted in the far-sighted policies and strategic leadership of President Ilham Aliyev.
“The consistent reforms of recent years, large-scale infrastructure projects, economic modernization programs, and expanded international cooperation have not only strengthened Azerbaijan’s position as a leading state in the region but also significantly enhanced its authority globally. It is thanks to this policy that the international community is now studying Azerbaijan’s experience and considering its ongoing projects as a modern development model. The holding of WUF13, one of the most prestigious UN events, in Azerbaijan confirms the international community’s high regard for the country’s development strategy,” the MP said.
She also emphasized that one of the key topics of the forum was rehabilitation and reconstruction programs in the liberated territories.
“Projects being implemented in Karabakh and Eastern Zangazur are already being praised by international experts as examples of modern urban planning and sustainable development. The rapid restoration of towns and villages that had been devastated for nearly thirty years, the implementation of smart city and smart village concepts, the development of green energy infrastructure, the construction of modern transport networks, and the return of populations to their native lands are unique examples in global practice. Projects in Zangilan, Lachin, Fuzuli, Shusha, Khankandi, and other settlements demonstrate that Azerbaijan is not only restoring devastated territories but also shaping the cities of the future,” the MP said.
