UNOAU meets delegations from Azerbaijan and UN Habitat on World Urban Forum 13 and COP32
On 21 January, the Deputy Head of the United Nations Office to the African Union and Director of Political Affairs, Mr Gerald Mitchell, met with a delegation from the Republic of Azerbaijan, led by Ambassador Ruslan Nasibov, together with the Regional Director for Africa of UN Habitat, Mr Oumar Sylla.
Discussions focused on Azerbaijan’s hosting of the Thirteenth World Urban Forum in May 2026 and on strengthening cooperation between Africa and Azerbaijan on climate change in the lead up to the Thirty Second Conference of the Parties. Ambassador Nasibov underscored that the World Urban Forum could serve as an entry point for deepening Africa Azerbaijan cooperation on the roadmap to COP32, noting Azerbaijan’s role as host of COP29. He also highlighted Azerbaijan’s interest in securing high level participation from the United Nations and the African Union at WUF13.
The Ambassador further emphasised the strong interlinkages between urbanisation, climate change, youth and stability, noting that WUF13 aims to build political momentum and demonstrate the value of multilateralism through practical and solution oriented outcomes. He also expressed Azerbaijan’s interest in supporting Ethiopia as host of COP32 to ensure continuity of initiatives launched under COP29, including the Baku Hub on Climate and Peace and its implementation in Africa.
Participants underscored the interconnectedness of urbanisation, climate change, peacebuilding, gender and youth, as well as the importance of solution oriented multilateral cooperation. The meeting concluded with agreement to maintain close coordination between Azerbaijan, UNOAU and UN Habitat, including through follow up technical level discussions on potential joint activities.
