Baku, May 17, 2026 (SUNA) – Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Ambassador Mohi-Eddin Salim led Sudan’s delegation to the 13th World Urban Forum (WUF13), hosted by Azerbaijan in its capital, Baku, in partnership with UN-Habitat. The forum brought together heads of state and government, ministers, representatives of regional and international organizations, and experts in urban development and sustainable housing. Addressing the high-level ministerial meeting on the New Urban Agenda, the Minister described the forum as an important platform for exchanging expertise and discussing challenges related to urban development and building safe, resilient cities. He said this year’s theme, “Housing the World: Safe and Resilient Cities and Communities,” directly reflects Sudan’s reality and the aspirations of its people amid the exceptional conditions caused by attacks carried out by the rebel Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia against cities, infrastructure, and vital facilities. The Minister noted that Sudan has suffered widespread destruction affecting residential areas, health facilities, water and electricity networks, and educational institutions, leading to the displacement of millions and creating major challenges for reconstruction, restoration of essential services, and rehabilitation of affected communities. Despite current challenges, he said the government has begun implementing national programmes to restore basic services in areas witnessing the return of displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees under voluntary return programmes, with support from friendly countries and international development organizations. He also revealed that the government launched a housing initiative last year that includes plans to build one million housing units for low-income youth as part of efforts to strengthen social stability and provide adequate housing for populations affected by war and displacement. During his address, the Minister also reviewed Sudan’s comprehensive peace initiative submitted to the United Nations and the Security Council in late 2025. The initiative includes an integrated roadmap for ending the conflict through a ceasefire, civilian protection, humanitarian access, support for refugees and IDPs, as well as disarmament, demobilization, reintegration, national reconciliation, and reconstruction programmes. He said the initiative reflects Sudan’s commitment to resolving the crisis through peaceful means and building broad national consensus leading to transparent, free and fair elections at the end of the transitional period, noting that it has received backing from several countries and regional and international organizations. Concluding his remarks, the Minister conveyed Sudan’s appreciation to Azerbaijan and UN-Habitat for hosting the forum, while voicing confidence that its deliberations would strengthen international cooperation and support Sudan’s reconstruction and sustainable urban development efforts.BH/BH