Visual Storytelling of Cities in the Media within the Framework of the World Urban Forums

Abstract

This article explores the visual storytelling of cities in the media within the framework of the World Urban Forums organized by the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat). It argues that visual narratives of cities extend beyond themes of urban development, destruction, and sustainability to encompass human life, lifestyles, architecture, historical landmarks, and social transformation.

The study examines how urban issues are approached and represented through various forms of media. The analysis identifies several dominant themes in visual storytelling, including rapid urban growth, efforts to mitigate the adverse effects of urbanization, housing challenges, informal settlements, housing affordability, and migration. Particular attention is given to the impact of climate change on urban environments and the social, economic, and environmental consequences associated with it.

In discussing smart city technologies, the article highlights Azerbaijan’s initiatives in its liberated territories, with special emphasis on the “Smart Village” project implemented in Ağalı village, Zangilan district. The findings demonstrate that visual media employs photojournalism, documentary filmmaking, television reporting, drone imagery, social media projects, interactive mapping, and digital storytelling to communicate urban realities. Through these diverse visual formats, complex urban issues become more accessible, engaging, and understandable to a broad audience.