President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev has taken part in the opening ceremony of the 13th session of the World Urban Forum 13 in Azerbaijan's capital Baku, held under the auspices of the UN-Habitat.

Upon arrival at the Baku Congress Center, the Uzbek leader was welcomed by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Executive Director of UN-Habitat Anacláudia Rossbach, The Caspian Post reports via Dunyo.

The ceremony also included a joint photo session with heads of state, government leaders, international organizations and development institutions attending the global forum.

This year’s forum is being held under the theme “Housing the World: Safe and Resilient Cities and Communities” focusing on some of the world’s most pressing urban challenges.

Discussions at World Urban Forum 13 include sustainable urban development, expanding access to affordable modern housing, improving the quality of city life, strengthening climate resilience, developing transport and social infrastructure, and improving housing finance mechanisms.

President Mirziyoyev is also expected to speak at the Leaders Summit of the forum, which has brought together high-level participants from around the world in Baku.