Azerbaijan Successfully Hosts The Global WUF Event

BAKU, May 18 (Bernama-Azertac) --  Baku’s hosting of the 13th Session of the United Nations World Urban Forum (WUF13) is another vivid manifestation of Azerbaijan’s growing international prestige, the Azerbaijan State News Agency, Azertac reported.

WUF13, which is held at the Baku Olympic Stadium from May 17 to 22 under the theme “Housing the world: Safe and resilient cities and communities,” stands out both in scale and in the number of participants.

 The decision to hold WUF13 in Azerbaijan reflects the international community’s strong confidence in the country’s ability to organise major global events and recognition of Azerbaijan’s urban development model.

Modern urban development has been identified by President Ilham Aliyev as one of the key strategic priorities of Azerbaijan’s socio-economic policy.

Preserving architectural traditions while building ecosystems that meet the challenges of modern urbanisation constitutes a central direction of state policy. The declaration of 2026 as the “Year of Urban Planning and Architecture” in Azerbaijan further demonstrates the high level of attention devoted to this field.

WUF13 in Baku serves as an invaluable global platform for presenting Azerbaijan’s conceptual urban planning model and the unique practical experience being implemented in the liberated territories.

One of the forum’s most visually striking sections is the 3.5-hectare ‘Urban Expo Zone’ which is the largest exhibition in WUF history. It will feature national pavilions, international organisations, government institutions, local and regional authorities, private sector representatives, NGOs, foundations, and educational and research institutions showcasing their projects.

A total of 217 organisations from around the world will participate, while 66 countries will be represented through national pavilions. The exhibition will effectively transform the Baku Olympic Stadium into a global showcase for housing solutions, innovation, and cooperation.

 More than 40,000 participants from over 180 countries have registered for the forum, marking the highest participation level in the event’s history.

WUF13 is also historically significant as the first World Urban Forum to include a Leaders’ Summit segment in its official program.

The event is also showcasing Azerbaijan’s unprecedented reconstruction and modern urban development model implemented in Karabakh and East Zangezur under the “Great Return” programme.

The “smart city” and “smart village” concepts introduced in the liberated territories, along with efforts to transform the region into a green energy zone, are being presented to the international community as advanced and unique examples of modern urbanisation, ecological restoration, and post-conflict reconstruction.

The successful hosting of WUF13 in Baku once again demonstrates Azerbaijan’s role as a leading force in addressing global challenges and highlights the country’s contribution to building a safe, sustainable, and inclusive future.

-- BERNAMA-AZERTAC