An official ceremony has been held to raise the official flag of the United Nations and the National Flag of the Republic of Azerbaijan at the Baku Olympic Stadium, the venue hosting the 13th session of the United Nations World Urban Forum (WUF13).

Azerbaijan is once again in the global spotlight as the 13th session of the WUF13 officially opens in Baku, The Caspian Post reports via Azertac.

Held at the iconic Baku Olympic Stadium, the major international event will run through May 22 and is being organized in close partnership between the Azerbaijani government and UN-Habitat.

WUF13 is regarded as one of the world’s leading platforms on urban development, sustainability, and the future of cities. This year’s edition has already made history, with more than 40,000 participants from 182 countries registering for the forum - a record-breaking turnout that highlights Azerbaijan’s growing global profile and the rising international interest in the country.