Influential Moldovan news website Noi.md has published a feature highlighting the launch of the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku, underscoring Azerbaijan’s growing role as a global hub for international dialogue on urban development.

According to the article, WUF13 officially opened on May 17 in the Azerbaijani capital as one of the world’s largest platforms dedicated to the future of cities and sustainable urbanization. The event is being jointly organized by UN-Habitat and the Azerbaijani government and will continue through May 22, The Caspian Post reports via noi.md.

More than 42,000 participants from around the world have registered for the forum, including heads of state, ministers, UN officials, international experts, local officials, and civil society organizations.

The article also highlighted Azerbaijan’s initiative to hold a Leaders’ Summit within the framework of WUF13, focused on strengthening international cooperation in urban development.

According to Noi.md, the first day of the forum includes a ministerial meeting dedicated to the implementation of the New Urban Agenda, where participants are discussing achievements, current challenges, and future priorities in sustainable urban planning.

Another key event drawing attention is the Assembly of the Global Water Operators’ Partnerships Alliance, being held for the first time within the World Urban Forum. The assembly is jointly organized by UN-Habitat, the Global Water Operators’ Partnerships Alliance, and Azerbaijan’s State Water Resources Agency.