UCLG-Eurasia at the 13th World Urban Forum

The 13th World Urban Forum has kicked off in Baku on May 17, with a record-breaking number of participants, attracting over 40,000 registered participants from 182 countries. This landmark event is being held for the first time in Eurasia and offers expanded opportunities for cities in the region to participate.

At the forum, the UCLG-Eurasia delegation is represented by Aibek Dzhunushaliev, Mayor of Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Vice-President of UCLG-Eurasia, Gavril Kirillin, Minister of Foreign Relations of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), Russia, Rasikh Sagitov, Secretary General of UCLG-Eurasia, Zhanarbek Akayev, Mayor of Osh, Kyrgyzstan, Bekzhan Usenaliev, Chairman of the Bishkek City Council and deputies of the Bishkek City Council, Kyrgyzstan, Sayyara Musayeva, Deputy Mayor of Sheki, Azerbaijan, Kurbonalizoda Nurullo Shamsullo, Chief of Staff of the Chairman of Dushanbe, Tajikistan, Tatyana Naumova, Deputy Head of the Department of Foreign Economic and International Relations of the city of Moscow, Russia, and others.

Over the course of a week, Baku will discuss sustainable urban development, climate change, digital transformation, affordable housing, and the creation of “green cities.” The first day of the forum began with ministerial meetings and continued with the World Assembly of Local and Regional Governments (WALRG), organized by UCLG. The Assembly participants were welcomed by Y.B. Nga Kor Ming, President of the UN-Habitat Assembly, Clara Brugada, Head of Government of Mexico City, Mexico, Uğur Ibrahim Altay, Mayor of Konya, Türkiye, and Jan van Zanen, Mayor of The Hague, Netherlands.

Gavril Kirillin shared his experience of sustainable development in the extreme conditions of the North and noted the need to ensure the right to the city and the right to culture. He emphasized that “everyone should be guaranteed the right to study their native language and preserve their culture.” Gavril Kirillin also addressed issues of resilience, emphasizing their importance.

Sayyara Musayeva, Deputy Mayor of Sheki, identified three priorities for the city in developing housing policy: local financing, ensuring transparency and accountability, and strengthening partnerships.

Elnura Duyshekeeva, Deputy of the Bishkek City Council, noted the need to involve women and youth in the multilateral process. Furthermore, Bishkek places special emphasis on inclusive governance and international partnerships. “Local governments should be not only implementers but also full-fledged actors in global processes. Strong cities and regions are the foundation of a sustainable world,” said Elnura Duyshekeeva. “Nothing will be sustainable unless we listen carefully to the people,” said Şenol Kul, Mayor of Terme, Türkiye, in his speech. The Director General of the Palestinian Cities Association, in turn, stated that there can be no decent housing without achieving peace and security.

Local and regional leaders from Argentina, Mauritania, Türkiye, Brazil, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Spain, and other countries are also serving as speakers at the assembly.

Ana Claudia Rosbach, UN-Habitat Executive Director, is the guest of honor.

18.05.2026

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