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In the lead-up to the thirteenth session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13), a further information session for media representatives was held in Azerbaijan on 27 April. The event was jointly organised by the Media Development Agency, ADA University and the WUF13 Azerbaijan Operations Company.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Natig Mammadli, Deputy Executive Director of the Media Development Agency, emphasised that international platforms such as the thirteenth session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) play a vital role in advancing dialogue on sustainable urban development and facilitating the exchange of leading practices. He noted that, in this context, it is of particular importance for media representatives to engage with the subject in depth and convey it to the public with accuracy and appropriate contextual understanding.
Aygun Hajiyeva, Adviser to the Vice Rector of Academic Affairs for Executive Education and Head of Professional Development Programmes at ADA University, observed that the University works in close partnership with the Media Development Agency and the wider media community. Reflecting on recent initiatives, she noted that close to 600 media professionals have, in recent years, been engaged in training programmes addressing issues of both national and global significance, describing this as a substantive contribution to advancing media awareness in the country. She further underlined that ADA University places sustained emphasis on contemporary urban development and sustainability.
Katerina Bezgachina, Chief of Communications at the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), highlighted that the hosting of WUF13 in Azerbaijan presents unique opportunities for the media. She noted that the event will enable journalists to engage directly with leading global experts, gain first-hand insight into international practice, and report on the most pressing issues in urban development on the ground.
As part of the info session, Jamila Ismayilzada, Head of the Substantive Content Department at the WUF13 Azerbaijan Operations Company, delivered a presentation on WUF13 Themes and Dialogues; Chaghri Karimzada, Head of the Urban Planning and Architecture Department at the Baku City General Directorate for Architecture and Urban Planning under the State Committee on Urban Planning and Architecture of the Republic of Azerbaijan, presented on the Baku Master Plan; Sabina Mammadova, Senior Coordinator for Inclusive Event Planning, alongside Leyla Safarli, Accessibility and Inclusivity Events Manager, both part of the Accessibility and Inclusivity Department of the WUF13 Azerbaijan Operations Company, spoke on Accessibility and Inclusivity at WUF13; while Nargiz Gulmaliyeva, Leading Adviser at the Transport Policy Department of the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport, addressed Green Transport and Micromobility.
It was further underscored that the themes addressed within the framework of the thirteenth session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) encompass the core dimensions of contemporary urban development, bringing together key priorities such as the creation of sustainable and inclusive urban environments, strategic urban planning, and the adoption of environmentally friendly transport solutions. The integrated application of these approaches is expected to contribute to improving quality of life in cities and to supporting long-term, sustainable development.
The information session concluded with a Q&A session.
