Media representatives attend WUF13 awareness session
In the run-up to the Thirteenth Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13), set to take place in Baku from 17 to 22 May 2026, an awareness session titled “WUF13: Sustainable Urban Development and the Role of Media” was organized for media representatives. The event was jointly hosted by the WUF13 Azerbaijan Operations Company and the Media Development Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan (MEDIA Agency).
Nearly 50 media representatives attending the event were briefed on WUF13’s official theme – “Housing the World: Safe and resilient cities and communities”. The session also set out practical guidance and editorial recommendations to support credible and impactful coverage of the Forum.
Opening the session, Gulshan Rzayeva, Deputy National Coordinator of WUF13 and Deputy Chief of Staff of the State Committee on Urban Planning and Architecture, welcomed participants and said that hosting WUF13 is the logical continuation of the large-scale measures and reforms implemented in the field of urban planning in recent years, and once again brings Azerbaijan to the forefront of the global agenda. She stressed that the responsibilities, challenges and opportunities stemming from the event are shared by all stakeholders, including the national media. Highlighting the significance of the awareness session, Gulshan Rzayeva called on media representatives to actively contribute to the consistent and professional coverage of sustainable urban development issues, both in the lead-up to the Forum, during the event itself, and in the period that follows.
Anna Soave, Head of UN-Habitat Azerbaijan, said that the declaration of 2026 as the “Year of Urban Planning and Architecture” in Azerbaijan, coupled with the country’s hosting of WUF13, creates a unique opportunity to draw international attention to the region and translate that momentum into tangible, lasting results. According to her, the main objective is to integrate the outcomes of the WUF13 into national practice, strengthen institutional mechanisms, enhance the capacities of professionals, build long-term partnerships, and promote a people-centred urban development approach. Anna Soave added that the Forum is expected to drive meaningful progress in areas such as housing, mobility, accessibility, environmental sustainability and inclusive urban development. Ms. Soave also underscored the pivotal role of the media in this process.
Addressing participants, Natig Mammadli, Deputy Executive Director of Media Development Agency, said the event held within the framework of WUF13 highlights the close link between advancing sustainable urban development and the media’s responsible role in informing and educating the public. He noted that modern urbanization is shaped not only by infrastructure projects and technological innovation, but also by strong public awareness, transparent communication and a sound information policy. Natig Mammadli emphasized that the media serves as a vital bridge - ensuring that urban planning initiatives are conveyed to society accurately and impartially, while fostering informed public engagement.
During the session, representatives of the WUF13 Azerbaijan Operations Company and the State Committee on Urban Planning and Architecture delivered detailed briefings on resilience and inclusivity, as well as on the core purpose of the World Urban Forum and Azerbaijan’s urban development and sustainability agenda. Participants learned about the Azerbaijan Urban Campaign 2026 being implemented within the framework of WUF13, with the initiative discussed at length. The session continued with a workshop addressing the most critical issues shaping today’s urban development discourse.
An international journalist Laura Puttkamer, who has extensive experience covering previous sessions of the World Urban Forum and urban development more broadly, joined the awareness session online to share insights from her past reporting. Drawing on her experience, she offered practical guidance to media representatives on potential story angles and key issues they may wish to explore in their coverage of WUF13.
At the close of the session, representatives of the WUF13 Azerbaijan Operations Company provided participants with detailed information about the Media Centre that will operate at the Baku Olympic Stadium during WUF13, as well as the range of media opportunities available throughout the event.
It is worth noting that the awareness sessions form part of a wider series and will be organized for media representatives on several occasions in the run-up to WUF13.
