WUF13: Sustainable Urban Development and the Role of the Media.

Distinguished guests, Ms Gulshan Rzayeva, Deputy Chief of Staff of the State Committee on Urban Planning and Architecture, Deputy National Coordinator of WUF13 and Mr Natig Mammadly, Deputy Executive Director of the Media Development Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan, esteemed representatives from the Presidential Office and colleagues from the WUF13 Operations Company, dear partners, good morning. 

Thank you for inviting me to address this important audience today. 

As you already know, preparations for the 13th session of the World Urban Forum are well under way, and the whole-of-government commitment behind this event signals that WUF13 is considered potentially as transformational for Azerbaijan as COP29 was in 2024. 

The declaration of 2026 by President Aliyev as the “Year of Urban Planning and Architecture” further confirms that sustainable urban development is a strategic national priority requiring vision and innovative ideas, as well as dialogue and coordinated action across institutions and sectors.

Worldwide, we have many global gatherings of significance – whether the Olympic Games, COP conferences, Formula 1 Grand Prix events, World Expos – you name it. Such “mega events” – as we call them – generate global attention, media visibility and momentum. They mobilise institutions, attract international expertise and stimulate investments. 

But, at the risk of appearing provocative, once the banners are removed, the lights are off and the delegations leave, what stays behind in the cities that host such events?

Are such mega-events truly justified? Beyond commemorative photographs, what long-term public value do they create? How do citizens benefit in concrete terms?

These are legitimate questions – particularly for me, as an architect and urban planner – but also as a representative of UN-Habitat, the agency that promotes the development of socially and environmentally sustainable cities. 

I sincerely believe that WUF13, combined with the declaration of 2026 as the Year of Urban Planning and Architecture, places Azerbaijan at a pivotal moment. WUF13 should not be seen simply as a conference. 

It is a window of opportunity – a rare convergence of political commitment, institutional mobilisation and international visibility.

COP29 placed Azerbaijan firmly on the global climate map. WUF13 can consolidate the country’s strategic role in shaping urban policy and practice. However, this will not happen automatically.

For me, a meaningful legacy would include several tangible shifts:

First, a shift in mindset. Urban planning must be understood as a strategic public responsibility. We need sharper planning tools that reflect global and national realities: rapid urbanisation, demographic changes, environmental pressures, reconstruction in liberated territories, demand for affordable housing and accessible spaces for all. 

In this sense, I trust that WUF13 will strengthen the confidence of a new generation of Azerbaijani planners, architects, housing specialists, city managers and environmental experts who will work in both public and private sectors.

Second, stronger institutional capacity. WUF13 offers an extraordinary platform for the exchange of knowledge and innovative practices. Globally, urban governance is under pressure to become more coordinated, data-driven and inclusive. Decision-making must integrate environmental, social and economic priorities with accessibility and participation mainstreamed. Citizens globally – in particularly young people, women and people with disabilities– are demanding to be included in decision-making.

Third, the inauguration of ambitious and replicable projects. History shows that mega-events can leave profound urban legacies — when they are used strategically.

During the 1992 Olympic Games, Barcelona transformed a neglected and inaccessible waterfront into one of Europe’s most vibrant public spaces. The city used the occasion to reorient itself toward the sea and modernise its mobility system.

London Olympics 2012 catalysed the regeneration of East London, upgraded transport infrastructure, and converted former industrial land into what is today the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park — a long-term asset for communities.

Dubai Expo 2020 created District 2020, a new smart urban district designed to integrate innovation, business and liveability.

Paris Olympics 2024 prioritised renovation over new construction, reducing carbon footprint, and demonstrating that global events can align with climate responsibility.

WUF11 in Katowice invested in citywide accessibility improvements, accelerating enhancements that might otherwise have taken years.

If this is the global experience, the question before us is “How will we use WUF13?”

COP29 in Baku saw the acceleration and launch of some very successful city projects such as the new cycle routes, dedicated bus lanes, the refurbishment of Molokan square and the redesign of the 28 May area. Such projects demonstrated a clear shift toward human-centred design. They signalled a rebalancing of urban priorities. They should not remain isolated achievements but serve as models that can be replicated across cities and regions.

The lesson is clear. Mega-events often accelerate upgrades and improvements that were long overdue — particularly in transport, public space and infrastructure. They create political momentum and institutional coordination that are difficult to replicate in ordinary times.

This brings me to the important role of the media.

Today’s agenda highlights sustainability, resilience and inclusivity, as well as responsible and balanced coverage of urban development. 

Across the world, the media does much more than report on events. It frames public understanding, can influence expectations and can challenge mindsets.

By highlighting the policy debates that will take place at WUF13, the innovative projects that will be presented at the Urban Expo, the urban challenges and practical solutions that people will share during the partner-led events, the media has a strong tole in accelerating both international and local transformation.

Your coverage will shape expectations. You have the opportunity to highlight good practice and scrutinise gaps that will drive better responses.

The World Urban Forum is a non-legislative platform. It does not produce binding agreements. Its real power lies in dialogue, knowledge exchange and inspiration. 

2026 offers us a unique alignment of political will and global attention. The responsibility lies with all of us – policymakers, practitioners, academia, private sector, civil society and the media – to use it wisely.

If WUF13 strengthens institutions, sharpens planning tools and launches ambitious, replicable projects across the country, then it will have fulfilled its purpose.

To conclude,I believe that WUF13 can be a catalyst for lasting transformation. 

It offers Azerbaijan a unique opportunity to convert international visibility into concrete improvements in housing delivery, mobility, accessibility, environmental sustainability and inclusive planning. 

Our ambition is not only to host a successful Forum, but to embed its principles into national practice by strengthening institutions, empowering professionals and delivering people-centred urban transformation across the country. 

The true measure of success will be the tangible benefits that citizens will continue to experience long after the Forum concludes. The media plays a crucial role in ensuring that this momentum translates into accountable, inclusive and measurable progress for our cities.

In 10 years-time, I would like 2026 to be remembered not only as the year Azerbaijan hosted WUF13, but as the “pivot year”

• when urban planning became a central pillar of national development.
• when mobility systems became more efficient and less car-dependent.
• when inclusive design and accessibility became mainstream.
• when ambitious pilot projects set new national standards and benchmarks. 

COP29 placed Azerbaijan firmly on the global climate map. WUF13 can confirm the country’s strategic role in urban planning, post-conflict reconstruction, environmental sustainability and policy innovation.

That is a legacy worth striving for and the media has a decisive role in this process.

Thank you.