The Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to the Republic of Azerbaijan, Essam Al-Jutaili, affirmed the deep historical and strategic ties between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Azerbaijan, noting the close and fruitful cooperation between the two countries in various political, economic, and cultural fields. In a statement to the Saudi Press Agency, Al-Jutaili explained that the Kingdom's participation with a high-level delegation in the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku not only reflects the strength of bilateral relations but also underscores Saudi Arabia's active presence in major international forums.
Background and importance of the World Urban Forum
The World Urban Forum, organized biennially by the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), is the premier global conference on urban issues. Founded in 2001, the Forum addresses one of the world’s most pressing challenges: rapid urbanization and its impact on societies, cities, economies, and the climate. It brings together policymakers, experts, and representatives from governments, the private sector, and civil society to discuss the challenges and innovative solutions for sustainable urban development, making it a vital platform for sharing global experiences and shaping the future of cities.
A window into the developmental transformations in the Kingdom
Ambassador Al-Jutaili considered the forum an exceptional opportunity for the Kingdom to showcase the tremendous developmental transformations it is undergoing under Vision 2030, spearheaded by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Prime Minister and Minister of the Kingdom. He noted that the Kingdom has achieved remarkable progress in urban development and planning, launching mega-projects such as NEOM, The Line, and Qiddiya, which aim not only to build modern infrastructure but also to redefine urban living by integrating sustainability, technology, and innovation to enhance the quality of life for residents.
The local and international impact of Saudi participation
Domestically, this participation reflects the wise leadership's commitment to achieving the goals of Vision 2030, particularly regarding building a vibrant society and a thriving economy. Internationally, the Kingdom's presence at this global forum reinforces its position as a leading nation in future urban planning. It also allows the Kingdom to share its unique experience with the world, while simultaneously benefiting from international best practices and opening new horizons for investment and partnerships in urban development and smart technologies. This participation in Baku aims to deepen cooperation with Azerbaijan and other participating countries, serving mutual interests and supporting global efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
