Hosted by Azerbaijan and organized by the UN-Habitat, the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) is being held from May 17 to May 22.
High-ranking officials from many countries, including Afghanistan, along with representatives of international organizations, experts, and thousands of participants, are attending the event.
In a statement, Afghanistan’s National Environmental Protection Agency announced the participation of a delegation led by the agency’s head, Matiul Haq Khalis.
According to the statement, the delegation will share Afghanistan’s perspectives and needs regarding the country’s environmental situation, the harmful effects of climate change, and urban environmental challenges during various technical and specialized sessions of the forum.
NEPA spokesperson Mohibullah Bahar said:
“The delegation of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan will share Afghanistan’s views with the international community regarding environmental conditions, climate change-related problems, drought, environmental pollution, urban environmental challenges, and the need for sustainable urban development. The delegation will also present Afghanistan’s efforts in these areas.”
The opening ceremony of the 13th World Urban Forum was conducted by Ilham Aliyev, who emphasized the construction of sustainable and secure cities, joint efforts against climate change, strengthening urban services, and the importance of international cooperation.
He also described Azerbaijan’s hosting of the forum in Baku as a major sign of international trust.
President Ilham Aliyev stated:
“It is truly a great honor for us to host the 13th World Urban Forum. Representatives from 182 countries have gathered at this meeting. This demonstrates respect for Azerbaijan. The number of participants has reached a record level, showing the importance of this issue and the strong international relations of the host country. This forum is a good opportunity for us to present our capacities to participants and the international community while also learning from them.”
Alongside the Azerbaijani president, António Guterres also delivered an online speech, calling on the international community to take practical joint measures against climate change, unplanned urban expansion, and other environmental challenges.
The Executive Director of UN-Habitat stated that one of the main topics of the 13th World Urban Forum will be discussions on the global housing crisis and the development of joint policies and solutions.
Anacláudia Rossbach said:
“We are focusing on housing. We are currently living through a global housing crisis, and the primary focus of this World Urban Forum is housing. We hope that during these few days in Baku, we will find policies and solutions that can help prevent crises and address people’s problems around the world.”
Environmental experts consider the protection of forests and natural green spaces, monitoring the causes of air pollution in urban areas, conserving water and natural resources, organized waste management, and the production of solar energy as important measures for environmental protection.
