For the third consecutive day, the 13th Session of the UN World Urban Forum (WUF13) held in Baku remains one of the central topics on the global media agenda.
Influential media organizations representing various regions of the world view this prestigious event hosted by Azerbaijan as a global dialogue platform for international urbanization, sustainable development, and the cities of the future. Numerous reports in the foreign press have placed special emphasis on Baku’s high-level organization, Azerbaijani hospitality, the views expressed by President Ilham Aliyev during his speech at the opening ceremony, as well as the successful implementation of the country's “smart city” and “green zone” concepts. It was noted that the discussions conducted within the framework of the forum regarding urban planning, housing policy, digital transformation, and climate challenges demonstrate Azerbaijan's emergence as an important hub for international cooperation and innovative approaches in this field. Furthermore, it was brought to the attention of audiences that organizing WUF13 in Baku confirms the growth of our country’s global prestige and further strengthens Azerbaijan's position worldwide as a reliable partner that puts forward strategic initiatives.
Reports broadcast and published by Türkiye's “TRT Haber”, “Milliyet”, “Hibya”, “T24”, “DHA”, “Günebakış”, and other media organizations emphasized that the brotherly country is participating in the event with a broad delegation, noting that the Azerbaijani-Turkish brotherhood is also reflected through joint projects in the field of urban planning. The reports covered in detail the successful implementation of President Ilham Aliyev’s “Smart City” and “Green Zone” visions in the liberated territories. Turkish press drew special attention to Azerbaijan’s achievement of a significant global success at this session and to the country’s high-level organizational execution. At the same time, readers were provided with detailed information on the significance of the Azerbaijan-hosted WUF13 for the Turkic world and Baku's exemplary organization.
Pakistani media, which has allocated extensive coverage to the session since day one, widely covered the active participation of Maryam Nawaz, Chief Minister of the Punjab Province, in the Baku discussions and highlighted Azerbaijan's leadership in the field of sustainable development. Reports in the brotherly country's “DND”, “Radio Pakistan”, “Dawn”, “AAJ TV”, “The Diplomatic Insight”, “Dunya News”, “Pakistan Today”, and other publications stated that the organization of WUF13 in Baku is a manifestation of the strategic vision of the President of Azerbaijan and that our country has welcomed international delegations at the highest level. Concurrently, it underscored the successful presentation of Pakistan's housing development projects in Baku and Azerbaijan's exemplary hosting of this prestigious event, with the high level of hospitality shown to the Pakistani delegation being highly praised as a vivid example of brotherly relations.
Publications in Saudi Arabia, including “Al Yaum”, “Ajel”, “Al Hadath”, “Sabq”, “Al Bilad”, “Al Jazirah”, “Al Madina”, “Saudi Gazette”, and “Eye of Riyadh”, noted that the Kingdom is represented at WUF13 by 20 entities. The reports brought Azerbaijan's high-level hospitality and organization to the forefront, stating that the event serves as an excellent opportunity for the exchange of experience between the two nations. The Baku session was brought to the readers' attention as a global turning point in the field of housing policy, with its priorities resonating with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030.
The United Arab Emirates' “Voice of Emirates”, “Al-Ain”, “Al-Watan”, and “Menafn”; Kuwait's “Q8 Press”; Bahrain's “News of Bahrain”; Qatar's “Mshireb”, “Al Raya”, and “QNA”; as well as the official portal of the Secretariat General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC-SG.org) and others emphasized the importance of the discussions and proposed solutions regarding the housing crisis at WUF13 in terms of addressing pressing issues in this sector, noting the active participation of the Gulf States in the event. The news pointed out that Azerbaijan organized this session of international status at a high level and introduced new approaches to global housing policy. At the same time, Baku's transformation into a hub for global dialogue on urban planning was highly commended.
Kazakhstan's “Almaty TV”, “Vecher.kz”, “Kursiv.media”, “Kazinform”, “Astana Times”, “Smi24.kz”, and “KzVesti” media outlets extensively covered Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov's speech in Baku and the brotherly country's support for Azerbaijan's “Green City” strategy. The reports placed special emphasis on the international interest garnered by the “Smart City” concept applied in the liberated territories of Azerbaijan. Moreover, the Baku session was assessed as an important milestone in solving regional and global urban planning issues, with the event opening new horizons for regional cooperation. Concurrently, it was brought to attention that Kazakhstan presented its artificial-intelligence-based urban planning models in Baku and that Azerbaijan's organization was outstanding.
Uzbekistan's “Uzdaily”, “Zamin.uz”, and “Eurasian Star” publications also provided broad coverage of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev's participation in the forum and the global initiatives he put forward regarding sustainable urban development. The reports highlighted the shared visions and strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan in the field of urban planning, emphasizing the significance of choosing Baku as the most suitable venue for this prestigious event.
Kyrgyzstan's “Reporter.kg”, “Kabar.kg”, “Sputnik.kg”, “24.kg”, “7tv.kg”, “Kg.akipress.org”, and “Jambylinfo.kz” media organizations dedicated extensive coverage to President Sadyr Japarov's speech in Baku and his proposal to establish the International Association of Mountain Cities. The reports noted with satisfaction Azerbaijan's support for this proposal and the high-level organization of the event. Azerbaijan's immense experience in the field of organization was highly praised across Kyrgyz media.
The leading media outlets of Georgia have published a series of articles on Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze’s speech at WUF13, his meeting with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, and the bilateral documents signed between the two countries. Portals such as “Interpressnews.ge”, “Bpn.ge”, “Kvira.ge”, “Exclusivenews.ge”, “Mix.metronome.ge”, “Palitranews.ge”, “Timer.ge”, “Newshub.ge”, “Aktual.ge”, “Qafqazturk.com”, “24news.ge”, “Interpress.ge”, and “Realnews.ge”, alongside broadcasting and media structures like “1tv.ge”, “Rustavi 2”, “Georgia Today”, “Civil.ge”, and “Imedi News”, shared reports highlighting the significance of WUF13, the meeting between the Georgian Prime Minister and President Ilham Aliyev, the importance of the signed agreements and protocols, and statements made by Georgian ministers. The articles specifically underscored Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze’s gratitude to Azerbaijan for its hospitality in Baku and the high-level organization of the session. It was emphasized that Kobakhidze evaluated the Baku platform as a pivotal regional hub for discussing global challenges, including climate change, social cohesion, and urban planning.
This prestigious event also remains under the spotlight of the press in distant Latin American countries. Reports published in Mexican outlets such as “Candelero”, “Proceso”, “Mundo de Mujeres”, “La Octava”, “MVS Noticias”, “El Universal”, “Heraldo de Mexico”, “Imagen Radio”, “Consulta Monterrey”, and “Publimetro” gave extensive coverage to Clara Brugada, Mayor of Mexico City, inaugurating the Mexican pavilion within the framework of the session and highly commending Azerbaijan's urban planning model. The news highlighted Azerbaijan's international efforts toward housing rights and sustainable urban environments, emphasizing that Baku's selection as the host for this event was no coincidence. Mexican readers were provided with detailed information regarding the urban planning models presented in Baku and the unique dialogue environment fostered by Azerbaijan.
Argentina's “Infoquilmes”, “El Sol Noticias”, and “News Digitales” extensively covered their national delegation’s participation in WUF13 and their presentations on sustainable urban development. The articles stated that this Azerbaijan-hosted platform opens up broad opportunities for international cooperation. The reports also noted Baku's modern appearance, the international attention drawn to Azerbaijan's achievements in urban planning, and the successful organization of the forum.
Brazilian media outlets, including “Atual MT”, “Mato Grosso 24 Horas”, “Plantao News”, “Folha Estado”, and “Diplomacia Business”, wrote about the country's extensive representation at the Baku forum and the Brazilian delegation's active exchange of experience with the Azerbaijani side in the field of urban development. The reports emphasized the significance of WUF13 for the countries of the Global South and commended the steps taken by Azerbaijan toward inclusive urban planning. Special note was made of how Baku’s modern infrastructure perfectly aligns with the spirit of the session.
The media of China, a country that has amazed the world in recent years with its dynamic development and latest scientific and technological achievements, also dedicated special attention to the event in Baku. The country's media structures, such as “Xinhua”, “Sohu”, “Phoenix News”, “Sina”, “Guilin Life”, “Guangming Daily”, “163.com”, “China.org.cn”, “People.com.cn”, and “Huarenshijie”, widely covered WUF13 hosted by Baku as a landmark event shaping the future of global urbanization. The articles provided an in-depth analysis of Azerbaijan's achievements in digitalization and green technologies, as well as the strategic points touched upon by President Ilham Aliyev during the opening ceremony. Characterizing Baku’s hosting as flawless and high-level, the Chinese publications stated that Azerbaijan has made a vital contribution to global urban development and to solving the housing problems of world cities.