AGP Executive Report

World Urban Forum Wrap-Up: WUF13 in Baku has officially closed after six days, with a record 579 events, 56,000+ participants, and a clear push to put housing at the center of urban policy—from land and infrastructure to climate action and financing. Baku Call to Action: UN-Habitat highlighted the “Baku Call to Action” as the forum’s standout output, urging housing to be treated as a rights-and-governance issue, not just welfare. Humanitarian-to-Recovery Focus: A WUF13 session on “Housing Rights in Reconstruction Contexts” warned that conflict-driven destruction of homes and services harms safety, health, and access to basics, calling for integrated humanitarian aid plus planning. Local Health & Housing Delivery: Azerbaijan also spotlighted rebuilding and reintegration efforts, including phased returns and new housing complexes in liberated areas. Diplomatic Signals: Azerbaijan received fresh Independence Day congratulations from UAE and Bahrain leaders, underlining continued regional engagement.

World Urban Forum Focus: A WUF13 session in Baku zeroed in on housing rights in reconstruction, warning that conflict-driven destruction of homes and infrastructure breaks international legal norms and leaves people exposed to unsafe living, worse health, and lost access to services—so recovery must blend humanitarian help with planning and a rights-based approach. Inclusive Cities: Azerbaijan’s State Committee chair Bahar Muradova told WUF13 that future cities must be equally livable and accessible for everyone, with women properly prepared to participate and with reintegration backed by rebuilding housing, schools, hospitals, parks, and public infrastructure. Parliament-to-Parliament Links: Azerbaijan’s Milli Mejlis leadership met Kyrgyzstan’s Jogorku Kenesh speaker in St. Petersburg to discuss deeper cooperation, including investment in mining, energy, “green economy,” medicine, and agriculture. Legal Update: Azerbaijan’s Supreme Court rejected Bahruz Samadov’s appeal after his 15-year treason sentence, with his defense citing serious health problems. Health & Innovation: Imugene flagged strong early results for its azer-cel CAR T program ahead of an ASCO spotlight, while research coverage also highlighted biofilm-driven challenges in diabetic foot ulcers.

Independence Day Diplomacy: A wave of congratulations landed in Baku as leaders including Saudi Arabia’s King Salman, Morocco’s King Mohammed VI, Sweden’s King Carl XVI Gustaf, South Korea’s President Lee Jae Myung, and South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa sent messages to President Ilham Aliyev, praising ties and wishing further progress. Housing & Health Link: At WUF13’s One UN Roundtable, UN partners stressed that housing is a cross-cutting health and development issue, calling for more integrated action across sectors and levels of government. Reconstruction on the Ground: In Aghdam, construction of the 2nd residential complex phase is complete and relocation continues under the “Great Return” program, with hundreds of families now settled. Medical Watch: Israel’s health authorities said Sea of Galilee fish mortality tests found a bacterium linked to fish disease, urging the public to avoid sick or dead fish and cook properly. Cancer Research: Imugene reported early response signals for its allogeneic CAR T therapy in a Phase 1b trial ahead of ASCO 2026.

Hunger Strike in Armenia: Artsakh Revolutionary Party leader Artur Osipyan has started a hunger strike after his arrest, with his lawyer warning his pre-existing health problems could worsen and saying the defense will appeal a two-month pretrial detention. Election-Campaign Tensions: Prosperous Armenia’s Iveta Tonoyan says PM Nikol Pashinyan is using state tools and threats, including claims of possible nationalization tied to the Ararat Cement plant, while opposition figures also question Defense Minister Suren Papikyan’s remarks about wartime losses. WUF13 Focus on Healthier Cities: In Baku, the C40 Cities–UN-Habitat Urban Planning Accelerator drew attention as 33 cities back climate-responsive planning by 2035; separate sessions pushed clean air, digital governance, and resilience as core public-health priorities. Water Safety Alert: Israel’s health ministry says Sea of Galilee fish mortality tests found Lactococcus garvieae bacteria, urging people to avoid sick/dead fish and not eat uncooked or unlicensed seafood. Regional Connectivity: Azerbaijan reopened its land border with Georgia and will resume passenger rail service on May 26, framed as a humanitarian step for families.

Border Reopening: Azerbaijan has reopened its land border for the first time since the COVID-era closures, resuming passenger rail service with Georgia—framed as a humanitarian move so ethnic Azeris can finally visit relatives after more than five years, with regular rail set to restart May 26; officials say all other overland crossings will stay sealed. Hospital Security: Bangladesh is rolling out a centralized emergency “panic alert” system in hospitals after attacks on medical staff, starting with two Dhaka hospitals after Eid al-Adha. WUF13 Health & Cities: At the World Urban Forum in Baku, UN-Habitat and partners pushed for stronger local crisis preparedness and cleaner, healthier urban planning, while discussions also highlighted slum transformation and disability-inclusive city design. Energy Finance Milestone: Moody’s and Fitch marked a major step for Azerbaijan’s Southern Gas Corridor with investment-grade ratings.

World Urban Forum Momentum: Leyla Aliyeva’s Clean Air push took center stage at WUF13 in Baku, with UN-Habitat and UNEP officials backing the message that clean air and green infrastructure should be core priorities of modern city planning. Global Health Aid: A new international initiative, “Caring for Blast-Injured Children in Gaza,” will support more than 1,000 wounded Palestinian children with urgent medical care and rehabilitation. Azerbaijan’s Urban Agenda: Anar Guliyev said Azerbaijan’s “Baku Urban Award” is meant to be a global platform for housing solutions across regions and income groups, tied to long-term commitments to the Global Urban Agenda. Energy Finance Milestone: Moody’s and Fitch marked a major step for Azerbaijan’s Southern Gas Corridor with investment-grade ratings for Southern Gas Corridor CJSC. Sports & Cooperation: Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan signed a table tennis memorandum covering training, sports medicine, anti-doping, and joint events.

World Urban Forum Momentum: Azerbaijan’s WUF13 is turning into a health-and-housing conversation, with UN leaders warning that the housing crisis is worsening health, education and safety for billions—while President Iliana Iotova says cities should be judged by whether the most vulnerable have home and security. Access to Care Pressure: Europe’s medicine access is getting worse, with average waits for new drugs hitting 532 days and EU officials urged to speed approvals and market access. Post-Conflict Reconstruction with Services: At WUF13, Azerbaijan highlighted rebuilding in liberated areas, including restoration of Shusha monuments and relocation progress, plus new social infrastructure like a Treatment and Wellness Center. Inclusive Cities: Training at WUF13 stressed that accessibility is more than ramps—covering independent living, healthcare, transport and participation for people with disabilities. Legal/Justice Spotlight: A newly released ICJ report says Azerbaijan’s Nagorno-Karabakh political trials in Baku are structurally flawed and “show trial” in nature. Diplomacy & Digital Trade: Azerbaijan used WUF13 to deepen ties across the Turkic world, including transport digitalization and AI cooperation.

Prison Abuse Claim: ICT expert Ilgar Aliyev’s final voice recording says police planted drugs in his pocket and mixed a toxic substance into his tea, after he was arrested in 2023 during the Abzas Media crackdown. Drug Policy Update: Azerbaijan approved Labor Code and drug-control amendments raising employer duties to block hiring drug addicts in restricted roles, including mandatory state medical checks and contract termination if addiction is found. WUF13 Health & Housing Focus: At the World Urban Forum in Baku, officials pushed “housing as health policy,” with WHO stressing that transport, energy and housing choices shape wellbeing. Inclusive Cities Training: A WUF13 session on independent living for people with disabilities highlighted that accessibility must cover services and participation—not just ramps. Post-conflict Reconstruction: Azerbaijan showcased restoration in Shusha and Khankendi/Aghdara/Xojaly, including monument repairs and relocation progress, alongside mine-clearance mentions.

World Urban Forum in Baku: The 13th UN World Urban Forum is in full swing, with leaders stressing that cities will be judged by housing, safety and dignity for the most vulnerable—not by skyscrapers or speeches. Health in cities: WHO’s urban health lead warned that transport, energy and housing decisions directly shape public well-being, while WUF13 also hosted a medical symposium on emergency allergology and acute toxico-allergic conditions. Policy meets people: Azerbaijan’s Vice President Iliana Iotova and UN officials tied the forum’s theme to a global housing crisis—from slums and homelessness to health impacts. Regional diplomacy: Georgia’s PM Irakli Kobakhidze arrived for WUF13, and Serbia’s Vucic said new cooperation opportunities were unlocked in Baku. Other headlines: China began testing “passports” for humanoid robots, and a ward assault left a psychiatric patient in ICU.

World Urban Forum in Baku: Vice President Iliana Iotova set the tone at WUF13, saying a “modern city” is measured by safety and dignity for the most vulnerable—not skyscrapers or GDP—and that housing must be treated as a cornerstone of society, with technology serving people and reducing inequality. Housing crisis on the agenda: UN-Habitat and UN leaders warned the global housing emergency is bigger than construction, linking it to health, education, climate shocks and stability. Health in cities: WHO’s urban health lead stressed that transport, energy and housing decisions shape public well-being, with air pollution and limited mobility driving harm. Regional diplomacy: Georgian PM Irakli Kobakhidze arrived in Baku for WUF13 and is set to meet President Ilham Aliyev. Medical science event: A Baku symposium focused on emergency allergology and acute toxico-allergic conditions, aiming to update diagnostics and treatment. Pakistan’s urban pitch: Delegates showcased Ravi City, a 46-km riverfront plan aiming to host 5 million people, including hospitals and universities. Human rights spotlight: Ruben Vardanyan was nominated for the 2026 Václav Havel Human Rights Prize.

World Urban Forum in Baku: The 13th UN World Urban Forum opened with a clear message: the housing crisis isn’t just about building homes, it’s about safe, resilient cities that protect health and stability. Policy Focus: UN-Habitat and Azerbaijan officials pushed the New Urban Agenda as a practical roadmap, with housing framed as tied to education, healthcare, jobs, and climate resilience. Youth at the Table: A Children and Youth Assembly at WUF13 called for more participation in city planning and safer, more accessible living environments. Health Infrastructure for WUF13: Azerbaijan’s Health Ministry inspected event medical sites and set up on-site coordination, staffing, and disinfection plans for May 17–22. Regional Health Alert: WHO declared an Ebola public health emergency of international concern over a Bundibugyo strain outbreak in DR Congo and Uganda. Environment Watch: The Caspian Sea is shrinking fast, with satellite-linked research pointing to accelerating climate-driven water loss affecting ecosystems and coastal communities.

World Urban Forum in Baku: UN-Habitat says the WUF13 housing crisis is now a global health and stability issue, with 2.8 billion people living in inadequate housing; in Baku, WUF13 leaders pushed for faster New Urban Agenda delivery, stressing housing as a climate, economic, and dignity matter tied to healthcare and education. Healthcare readiness: Azerbaijan’s Health Ministry has inspected event medical sites for WUF13, naming clinics and hospitals that will provide on-the-ground care and hygiene support during May 17–22. Ebola alert: WHO declared a public health emergency over a rare Ebola outbreak in DR Congo and Uganda, reporting lab-confirmed cases plus many suspected infections and urging national prevention steps. Regional diplomacy: Ilham Aliyev called Kazakhstan’s Tokayev to congratulate his birthday and both sides flagged expanded cooperation after the Turkic summit in Turkistan. Local health infrastructure: Construction progress continues on a 150-bed Jabrayil hospital complex, with infectious disease and dialysis services planned.

Healthcare Infrastructure: Azerbaijan is pushing ahead with a 150-bed Jabrayil District Central Hospital complex on 4.6 hectares, with specialized units planned for infectious diseases, hemodialysis, hygiene and epidemiology, forensic medical work, and emergency aid; construction is already 55% done, foundation laid in 2021, and full completion targeted for end-2027 with commissioning in 2028. Global Health & Cities: As the World Urban Forum (WUF13) gears up for May 17–22 in Baku, UN officials stress the link between housing, resilience, and public health, while Azerbaijan’s parliament-health leadership highlights “Fast-Track Cities” and integrated TB/HIV planning. Public Health Logistics: Azerbaijan’s Health Ministry has inspected event medical sites for WUF13, mapping staffing, disinfection, and readiness across multiple clinics and hospitals. Regional Risk Watch: A report warns Europe could face medicine supply pressure if Hormuz Strait tensions disrupt pharmaceutical raw-material flows.

Hospital Build-Up in Jabrayil: Azerbaijan is pushing ahead with a new 150-bed Central Hospital complex in Jabrayil, planned on 4.6 hectares as a pilot in liberated areas—construction began in 2024, 55% is done, and the full project is targeted for completion by end-2027 with commissioning in 2028; the site will include infectious disease and hemodialysis services plus separate facilities for hygiene and epidemiology, forensic medical exams, and emergency aid. WUF13 Spotlight: The World Urban Forum opens in Baku (May 17–22) as housing pressure and climate shocks intensify, with UN officials calling the event a practical platform for safe, sustainable cities and inclusive planning. Health Security Angle: Europe is warned that Hormuz Strait tensions could disrupt pharmaceutical raw-material supply, raising the risk of medicine shortages. Azerbaijan Health Ops for WUF13: The Health Ministry has inspected medical support sites for the forum and outlined staffing, disinfection, and emergency coverage plans. Regional Health News: Congo reports a new Ebola outbreak, with authorities urging surveillance and rapid response.

Israel–UAE Friction: Israel’s Iran-war cooperation with the UAE is suddenly in the spotlight after U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee said Israel sent Iron Dome support, and Netanyahu later admitted a wartime visit—prompting a quick UAE denial, showing how discreet ties can become politically explosive. Azerbaijan Health Diplomacy: In New York, Milli Majlis MP Parvana Valiyeva joined a UN HIV/AIDS hearing, pushing for a more sustainable, nationally owned HIV response and stronger TB–HIV integration, including “Fast-Track Cities” style urban health access. Public Health Tech: A Baku radiology specialist presented RSNA findings on AI that can flag hidden coronary calcification in routine chest CTs to reclassify risk and guide earlier action. Ebola Watch (Regionally Relevant): Congo confirmed a new Ebola outbreak, reporting suspected cases and deaths and warning of spread risks amid insecurity and cross-border movement. Local Life & Care: Another resettlement convoy reached Zangilan and Shukurbeyli, while Azerbaijan Sports Academy hosted an urban sports symposium focused on boosting physical activity through city design.

AI & Computing Push: Bulgaria is positioning itself as a regional hub for artificial intelligence and high-performance computing, with plans to back startups through research talent and national supercomputing assets. Wildlife Under Pressure: Persian leopards remain critically endangered, with most remaining animals concentrated in Iran and deaths driven largely by retaliatory killings and habitat barriers. Regional Diplomacy: Türkiye and Kazakhstan are deepening cooperation through high-level strategic talks, signaling broader regional alignment. Azerbaijan Health & Services: Azerbaijan’s government says it aims to improve the quality of services nationwide, with health and other key sectors tied to project timelines and monitoring. Rehabilitation & Return: Another resettlement convoy is moving families to Jabrayil’s Shukurbeyli and Zangilan, including medical-psychological rehabilitation for Ukrainian children already supported in Baku. Tech Privacy: WhatsApp is rolling out “Incognito chats” for private AI conversations, emphasizing that chats aren’t saved and private messages stay end-to-end encrypted.