Anaclaudia Rossbach thanked President Ilham Aliyev for successful holding of WUF13
Executive Director of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme Anaclaudia Rossbach thanked President Ilham Aliyev for the successful organization of the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF 13).
In her letter to the head of state, Anaclaudia Rossbach noted:
"On behalf of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), I express to you and your government our deepest gratitude for the unprecedentedly successful holding of WUF13. WUF13 became an important milestone for the world community and UN-Habitat. The Forum brought together a record number of participants from around the world. They represented national and local authorities, civil society, academia, the private sector, youth groups, international organizations and other stakeholders committed to progress in sustainable urban development.
WUF13 was also of historic significance as the first session of the World Urban Forum held in the Eastern Europe and Central Asia region. The successful holding of WUF13 reflects the firm commitment, leadership role and hospitality of the government and people of Azerbaijan. Close cooperation between UN-Habitat and Azerbaijan played a decisive role in ensuring effective preparation and organization of the Session in all substantive, operational and logistical aspects.
WUF13 was marked by a number of ambitious results, including the 'Baku Call to Action' and the final document of the Ministers' Meeting (Chair's Summary), as well as the organization of the largest Urban Expo exhibition in the history of the World Urban Forum. WUF13 also presented many new and innovative initiatives, such as the WUF Academy, the Business and Innovation Center and the Center of Excellence, which further strengthened the Forum's position as a platform for meaningful dialogue, knowledge exchange, partnerships and practical solutions in the field of urban development.
These results and the experience of WUF13 have paved the way for strengthening global cooperation, advancing the implementation of the New Urban Agenda and Sustainable Development Goal 11, making a very important contribution to this.
WUF13 also left an important legacy. These include the 'WUF13 Baku Standards', which will contribute to the development of operational guidance for future sessions of the World Urban Forum, as well as the Baku Prize for Urban Development."
