In May 2026, the capital of Azerbaijan will be at the center of global attention. From May 17 to 22, Baku will host the Thirteenth Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13)—the largest and most authoritative international event dedicated to urbanization and the sustainable development of human settlements. The forum is co-organized by the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) and the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
The decision to hold WUF13 in Baku highlights Azerbaijan's growing authority in the international arena and the global recognition of the country's successes in comprehensive urban planning, infrastructure reforms, and the implementation of innovative concepts.
The World Urban Forum was established by the United Nations in 2001 to examine one of the most pressing issues of our time: rapid urbanization and its impact on communities, economies, and climate change. It is not just a traditional conference, but an open, non-legislative platform that brings together absolutely all stakeholders—from national governments and city mayors to academia, business leaders, philanthropists, and civil society.
The forum is held every two years in different cities around the world. Previously, it has been successfully hosted by cities like Barcelona, Rio de Janeiro, Vancouver, Abu Dhabi, Kuala Lumpur, and Cairo. For the CIS and Eurasian region, hosting an event of this colossal scale in Baku represents a historic precedent.
The overarching theme of the Thirteenth Session is: "Housing as the Foundation for Inclusive, Resilient, and Sustainable Cities."
Today, an estimated 3 billion people worldwide live in inadequate housing conditions, and over a billion reside in informal settlements. WUF13 will address the global housing crisis and explore solutions through the lens of inclusive planning, climate adaptation, and effective multi-level governance.
Sustainable Development: The practical implementation of "Smart City" and "Smart Village" concepts.
Ecology and Climate: Reducing carbon emissions. A major highlight of WUF13 in Baku will be its focus on eco-friendliness—the forum will be powered by "green" energy, demonstrating Azerbaijan's firm commitment to global climate goals.
Social Justice: Ensuring inclusivity in urban environments, with a special focus on youth, women, and people with disabilities.
Global Challenges: Analyzing the impact of migration processes and conflicts on modern urban infrastructure.
The year 2026 holds special, historical significance for the country. By the relevant Decree of President Ilham Aliyev, this year has been declared the "Year of Urban Planning and Architecture" in Azerbaijan. Hosting WUF13 perfectly synchronizes with national strategies and unlocks several unique opportunities:
A Global Showcase of Achievements: Azerbaijan will have a high-level platform to demonstrate its unprecedented experience in the large-scale reconstruction of its liberated territories (Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur), where modern settlements are being built from scratch using cutting-edge technologies.
Investments and Partnerships: The forum will transform Baku into an open investment hub. Meetings between city leaders, ministers, and private sector representatives will create fertile ground for new contracts, technological transfers, and business development.
Human Capital Development: The interaction of local specialists with the world's top urbanists (through initiatives like the WUF Academy and the Urban Library) will provide a massive boost to academic and scientific development within the country.
According to Anna Soave, the Head of the UN-Habitat Office in Azerbaijan, the Thirteenth Session of the World Urban Forum is expected to welcome over 20,000 guests from dozens of countries.
Attendees will include high-ranking state officials, mayors of global megacities, delegations from UN agencies, international investors, and representatives of major media outlets. As Report.az notes, specialized media briefing sessions (supported by the Media Development Agency) are already actively underway in Baku as of February 2026 to ensure comprehensive and high-quality coverage of this milestone event.
WUF13 is more than just a prestigious event; it is a turning point that will firmly cement Baku's status as a global hub for innovative urbanism. By hosting tens of thousands of experts, Azerbaijan will not only make a substantial contribution to solving the global housing crisis but will also showcase to the world its own functional model for a sustainable, safe, and technologically advanced urban future.
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