NGO and media representatives visit the Baku Olympic Stadium to observe preparations for WUF13
On 13 May, the WUF13 Azerbaijan Operations Company organised a site visit to the Baku Olympic Stadium, the venue for the thirteenth session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13), bringing together representatives of non-governmental organisations (NGOs), media outlets and bloggers for a first-hand look at preparations ahead of the event.
During the visit, attended by representatives of NGOs, local and international media organisations, bloggers and digital influencers, participants were given a comprehensive briefing on the extensive preparations currently under way in the lead-up to WUF13.
The venue tour brought together Adil Mammadov, Executive Director of the WUF13 Azerbaijan Operations Company; Aygun Aliyeva, Executive Director of the Agency for State Support to Non-Governmental Organisations of the Republic of Azerbaijan; Ahmad Ismayilov, Executive Director of the Media Development Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan; and Rashad Majid, Chairman of the Azerbaijan Press Council, alongside senior representatives of local and international media outlets and non-governmental organisations.
Tour participants received an extensive briefing on preparations being carried out ahead of the Forum. It was noted that construction and fit-out works across the site are now entering the final stretch, with the venue on track for completion ahead of the opening of the thirteenth session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13).
NGO representatives were also given an up-close look at the venue’s infrastructure, modern technological solutions and various functional areas developed for the event. During the tour, guests were taken through dialogue and meeting rooms, roundtable and special session halls, as well as a number of dedicated pavilions set to host key discussions and activities throughout WUF13.
Executives from television and radio broadcasters, news agencies and media outlets were introduced to the infrastructure established across the venue, including the dedicated Media Centre and the Press Conference Room, both designed to support the effective work of journalists throughout the event.
During the venue visit, it was also noted that, according to the latest figures, the number of registered participants for WUF13 from 180 countries has now surpassed 32,000. More than 1,000 media representatives had been registered to take part in the event.
Particular emphasis was placed on the fact that sustainability, inclusivity and accessibility have been identified among the central priorities in the organisation of WUF13. It was noted that relevant standards and requirements had been integrated throughout every stage of the construction process to ensure the venue remains fully accessible to all participants.
The tour concluded with an extended Q&A session, during which representatives of non-governmental organisations and media outlets received detailed responses to a wide range of questions relating to the event and the preparations under way ahead of WUF13.
