Baku and the WUF13
Baku and the WUF13
Baku as a New Global Converging Point
In the last few years, Baku has boldly emerged from its status as a regional capital to play host to global politics, climate diplomacy, and urban futures. This is not only about hosting events, it is an act of conscious development of an international identity for a city that at the same time can serve as a catalyst for dialogue between East and West, North and South, and which can reflect one of the most pressing challenges of the 21st century - the development of “living, resilient and inclusive cities”. The hosting of the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku is the latest and perhaps most important proof of this ambition. WUF13's official theme is dedicated to the global housing crisis and the search for safe and resilient cities, and it is at this intersection of social justice, climate adaptation and sustainable development that WUF13 will be held.[1]
Azerbaijan's contribution to the International arena
The perception of Baku cannot be approached merely at the level of urban growth or infrastructure development of the city in Azerbaijan. Over the past few years, the nation has established itself as a diplomacy powerhouse with mediation, multilateralism, and bridging between world groups key to its diplomatic approach. This became particularly apparent during COP29 when Baku emerged as one of the focal points of the climate policy negotiations and the political and diplomatic impact of COP29 remains in the city's future climate events. The heart of the Baku story is that Azerbaijan is not just a host, but an active participant in the creation of those global frameworks that link climate, development and urban policies.[2]
The fact that the Global South NGO Platform appear in Baku after COP29 is particularly noteworthy as it reflects Azerbaijan's ability to establish the trust capital gained by civil society of the Global South. The platform's establishment is not simply symbolic, but a recognition that the voice of civil society organizations of the Global South must be heard, seen and remembered appropriately at international platforms. The event further reinforces Baku's role as a city that offers a diplomatic and civil space for South-South cooperation as a tangible instrument.[3]
Why WUF13 Matters
WUF13 is more than just a policy conference. The World Urban Forum (WUF) has become one of the most important forums to discuss urbanization issues globally and now, the mid-point of the implementation of the New Urban Agenda, the 13th session of the World Urban Forum is taking place. This is a first: not only it's about what experts are thinking about cities, but what has been accomplished through the urban pledges of the last decade. Furthermore, by bringing housing to the center of the agenda, as is essential, WUF13 will highlight the fact that housing has become a central part of social stability, climate resistance and economic mobility - a central part of the global housing crisis today.[4]
Another reason why the event is important is that cities are helping to advance concrete solutions in the global conversation about cities. The forum provides not only dialogue, but also practices, models and applicable policy tools. This is especially relevant in a world that is increasingly urban, inequalities are growing, and the effects of climate change are becoming more acute. The WUF13 then addresses housing, land use, spatial planning, transportation, and inclusive governance at the same time. That is, ensuring the city is not just growing, but making it more livable.[5]
The message that Baku sent to the world
WUF13 is for Baku a bit like a continuation in thinking of COP29. The urban forum presents a different picture than the climate summit, which is a place of global responsibility and international compromise; the climate goals and sustainability are a reality in the city. It is particularly significant for Azerbaijan, as it will be able to showcase urban transformation, political will to move towards sustainable development, and the ability to link various international agendas together.[6]
The message of the country is loud and clear – the Global South is not just about asking for help, but also about bringing its own ideas, initiatives and solutions that can add to the international system as a whole. In this sense, the Global South NGO Platform that was established at COP29 is not an isolated action, but instead part of the strategic story for WUF13. It is a tale about the ability of Azerbaijan to take on an international mediating role in three sectors-climate, civil society and urban policy.[7]
Broader Outlook
The essence of WUF13 and Baku is that the future of cities is not a technical matter, it is a geopolitical, social and ethical one. The short answer to all these issues is that yes we can, but only if we can develop governance mechanisms that are people-centred, rather than growth-centred. In this respect Baku is not just a host, it is a symbol of the global potential of medium-sized states and cities to influence the global agenda, if they are able to establish a credible link between diplomacy, development and social dialogue.
WUF13 is on a different level from other conferences. Instead, it's an illustration of how the discussion about the future of cities has turned into a global governance debate. And, if Baku can legitimate this discussion, then Azerbaijan not only has an event on its hands but also is home to a new international narrative.
References
[1] https://wuf.unhabitat.org/wuf13
[2] https://president.az/en/articles/view/68668
[3]https://azertag.az/en/xeber/ngos_from_over_110_countries_to_gather_in_baku_for_the_global_south_ngo_platform-3522727
[4] https://wuf.unhabitat.org/news/road-baku-housing-takes-centre-stage-wuf13
[5] https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k13/k13n4c7a5x
[6] https://www.trend.az/azerbaijan/politics/4188061.html
[7] https://www.trend.az/azerbaijan/4185691.html
Author: Dávid Biró, Senior Advisor, Research and Academic Network Lead of the Ludovika Center for Turkic Studies
Image source: azertag.az