Azerbaijan is successfully hosting another globally significant event — the 13th Session of the United Nations World Urban Forum (WUF13).
This forum is considered one of the world’s most prestigious platforms in the fields of urbanization, urban planning, and sustainable development.
Organized by the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), the event is held every two years and brings together thousands of participants from different countries.
The decision to hold the forum in Baku in 2026 is a clear example of Azerbaijan’s growing international reputation and its active participation in global initiatives.
Moreover, this event has gone down in history as the first international forum of this level ever held in the Turkic world.
“HOUSING FOR ALL”
Within the framework of WUF13, the main focus is on the theme “Housing for All: Safe and Sustainable Cities and Communities.”
This topic is especially relevant against the backdrop of rapidly increasing urbanization processes in the modern world.
Today, millions of people live in inadequate housing conditions, while social inequality, housing shortages, and environmental problems in cities are becoming increasingly severe.
The forum aims to address these challenges, propose innovative approaches, and strengthen the exchange of experience among countries.
AN INSPIRING OPENING CEREMONY
On May 18, the opening ceremony of the 13th Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) was held in Baku.
President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva attended the event. President Ilham Aliyev and the Executive Director of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), Anacláudia Rossbach, welcomed the heads of state and government, as well as the leaders of delegations participating in the session. Afterwards, a video dedicated to the opening of WUF13, prepared by UN-Habitat, was shown, followed by a cultural program.
“SECOND BIGGEST INTERNATIONAL EVENT EVER HELD IN AZERBAIJAN”
IN HIS SPEECH, PRESIDENT ILHAM ALIYEV WISHED SUCCESS TO THE FORUM:
“We have probably a record number of registered participants. This morning, I got information that we have more than 45,000 registered participants from 182 countries. So, this is the second biggest international event ever held in Azerbaijan after COP29, which was held one and a half years ago. And I hope that the outcome of WUF13 will be as successful as COP29. I think that during these days in Baku, many of our guests, who are visiting us for the first time, will have the opportunity to know our country and our city better, and to see with their own eyes what is being done in Azerbaijan with respect to urban development.”
President Ilham Aliyev also stated that urban development is progressing very rapidly in many parts of Azerbaijan:
“Undoubtedly, this important gathering and the expertise of our friends from the United Nations, as well as the many visiting guests, will help us learn more, benefit from one another, become familiar with positive experiences, and also discuss our mistakes. There have been many mistakes made in the process of development, but I think that period is already in the past.”
Later, video messages addressed to the opening ceremony by United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres and President of the UN General Assembly Annalena Baerbock were presented.
In his message, the UN Secretary-General emphasized that the World Urban Forum would serve as a driving force for turning its goals into reality.
Meanwhile, President of the UN General Assembly Annalena Baerbock stated: “This event also provides an opportunity to strengthen actions related to the housing crisis” (Azertac).
It should be recalled that the event venue, which will continue until May 22, covers a total operational area of 130 acres within and around the Baku Olympic Stadium. Of this, 106 acres have been designated as the main event venue, while 25 acres have been planned as the main transport terminal and park-and-transfer zone. Registration, session halls, exhibition areas, media services, transportation, technical support, volunteer coordination, and venue services have all been organized as a unified operational system.
BAKU: THE BEST “SMART” VENUE
Baku’s hosting of this prestigious event is no coincidence.
In recent years, the city has undergone rapid development, transforming into a modern metropolis with advanced infrastructure while preserving its historical heritage.
Large-scale reconstruction and beautification projects, improvements in the transportation system, and the implementation of “smart city” and “smart village” concepts have turned Baku into one of the leading urban centers in the region.
In this regard, WUF13 also serves as an important platform for showcasing Azerbaijan’s achievements in urban planning to the world.
2026: “THE YEAR OF URBAN PLANNING AND ARCHITECTURE”
In this context, one particularly important point to emphasize is President Ilham Aliyev’s declaration of 2026 as the “Year of Urban Planning and Architecture” in the Republic of Azerbaijan.
This decision reflects the high importance attached to urban planning and architecture in the country and logically aligns with the hosting of a global event such as WUF13.
AN ACTIVE DIASPORA
WUF13, held in Baku, is not only a global dialogue platform in the fields of urbanization and sustainable development but also an important event in terms of expanding Azerbaijan’s relations with the international community. In this context, the promotional activities carried out abroad by the Azerbaijani diaspora are of particular importance. Azerbaijani diaspora organizations are actively contributing to the international promotion of the WUF13 forum. Through conferences, seminars, exhibitions, and public discussions organized in foreign countries, diaspora organizations emphasize the significance of Baku hosting this prestigious forum.
WUF13 creates broad opportunities for cooperation by bringing together various stakeholders, including representatives of states and governments, the United Nations and other international organizations, academic and research institutions, the private sector, non-governmental organizations, and youth. Through this platform, a shared vision for the future of cities is being shaped, and practical solutions are being discussed.
Within the framework of WUF13, foreign non-governmental organizations (NGOs) strengthen the international dimensions of the event. The participation of foreign NGOs also reinforces Azerbaijan’s international cooperation ties and increases the forum’s global significance. Incidentally, the State Support Agency for Non-Governmental Organizations of the Republic of Azerbaijan has identified international initiatives related to WUF13 as a priority area in its 2026 grant competitions.
Azerbaijani NGOs are actively involved in organizing the forum and attracting participants. Their participation also serves as a bridge between local and international communities, ensuring the sharing of practical solutions related to sustainable urban development. Beginning on May 18, the pavilion of the NGO Agency started operating at the WUF13 venue (Urban Expo, C Area, A39). During WUF13, dozens of events will be held in the pavilion area jointly with the foreign partners of local NGOs.
On May 18, 2026, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan Hikmet Hajiyev visited the NGO Agency pavilion as well as the nearby GSNP pavilion (Urban Expo, C Area, A37). A series of events organized by foreign NGOs also commenced at the GSNP pavilion.
Overall, WUF13, held in Baku in 2026—the “Year of Urban Planning and Architecture”—are strategic initiatives that complement each other.
These developments strengthen Azerbaijan’s aspirations for leadership in the fields of urban planning and architecture at both regional and global levels.
In this process, Baku is emerging not only as a host city but also as a successful example of a modern urbanization model.
Fuad Huseynzadeh is Chairman of the Public Union for Journalists’ Support to Diaspora Activities.
By Fuad Huseynzadeh