WUF13: Sustainable Cities and the Model of Innovative Urbanization
In May 2026, the city of Baku will host the thirteenth session of the World Urban Forum.
In May 2026, the city of Baku will host a major event of global significance — the Thirteenth Session of the United Nations World Urban Forum (WUF13). This forum is considered one of the world's most influential platforms in the fields of urbanization, urban planning, and sustainable development.
Organized by the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), this event is held every two years and brings together thousands of participants from various countries. The holding of the forum in Baku in 2026 is a vivid example of Azerbaijan's growing international prestige and its active participation in global initiatives. Furthermore, this event will go down in history as the first such major international forum to be held in the Turkic world.
Within the framework of WUF13, the main focus will be on the theme "Homes for All: Safe and Sustainable Cities and Communities." This theme is particularly relevant today against the backdrop of rapidly accelerating urbanization processes. Currently, millions of people around the world lack adequate living conditions, and social inequality, housing shortages, and environmental problems are becoming increasingly acute in cities. The forum aims to find solutions to such problems, promote innovative approaches, and strengthen the exchange of experience between states.
It is no coincidence that Baku is hosting this prestigious event. In recent years, the city has developed rapidly, becoming a metropolis with modern infrastructure while also preserving its historical heritage. The large-scale beautification works carried out in the city, the improvement of the transport system, and the introduction of "smart city" and "smart village" concepts have made Baku one of the leading urban centers in the region. In this respect, WUF13 will also be an important platform for showcasing Azerbaijan's achievements in the field of urban planning to the world.
One of the important aspects to be particularly emphasized in this context is that President Ilham Aliyev has declared 2026 as the "Year of Urban Planning and Architecture" in the Republic of Azerbaijan. This decision is an expression of the high attention given to the field of urban planning and architecture in the country and logically aligns with the hosting of a global event like WUF13.
Within the framework of this year, it is planned to implement a number of large-scale projects in the country. These include the development of new urban plans, acceleration of infrastructure projects in the regions, construction of modern residential complexes, and further improvement of the urban environment. The restoration and reconstruction works carried out, especially in the liberated territories, are among the most vivid examples of this policy. The application of "smart city" and "green energy" concepts in these territories reflects Azerbaijan's innovative approach.
Furthermore, expanding international cooperation is also considered one of the priority directions within the framework of the "Year of Urban Planning and Architecture." Attracting foreign experts, organizing international forums and exhibitions, and establishing experience exchange will further increase the country's potential in this field. WUF13, as the pinnacle of this process, will place Azerbaijan at the center of global urban planning discussions.
WUF13 to be held in Baku is not only a global dialogue platform in the field of urbanization and sustainable development but also an important event from the perspective of expanding Azerbaijan's relations with the international community. In this context, the advocacy activities carried out by the Azerbaijani diaspora abroad are of particular importance. In this regard, Azerbaijani diaspora organizations are also playing an active role in promoting the WUF13 forum on an international scale. Diaspora organizations operating in foreign countries are emphasizing the importance of Baku hosting this prestigious forum at conferences, seminars, exhibitions, and public discussions being held.
The activity of the diaspora is not limited to advocacy alone but also contributes to the formation of international partnerships. Establishing contacts with foreign non-governmental organizations, research institutes, and institutions specialized in urban planning lays the groundwork for the emergence of new cooperation opportunities within the framework of the forum. From this perspective, diaspora organizations act as a "bridge," further strengthening ties between Azerbaijan and the international community.
WUF13 brings together various stakeholders and creates broad opportunities for cooperation: representatives of state and government, the UN and other international organizations, academic and research institutions, the private sector, non-governmental organizations, and youth. Through this platform, a common vision for the future of cities is formed and practical solutions are discussed.
Within the framework of WUF13, foreign non-governmental organizations (NGOs) will further strengthen the international aspects of the event. The participation of foreign NGOs strengthens Azerbaijan's international cooperation ties and increases the forum's global significance. It is worth noting that in the grant competitions for 2024 announced by the State Support Agency for Non-Governmental Organizations of the Republic of Azerbaijan, international initiatives related to WUF13 have been designated as a priority direction. Azerbaijani NGOs will play an active role in organizing the forum and attracting participants.
Starting from May 11th, "Baku Urban Planning Week" has already begun. A series of events are planned to be organized in various parts of Baku city. The event brings together state bodies, urban planning experts, academic circles, cultural figures, and youth. Throughout the week, conferences, panel discussions, innovative programs, thematic routes, and art events will be organized.
It has been reported that the project aims to connect global urban planning discussions with Baku's unique urban environment and encourage public participation. The events will cover historical sites, examples of cultural heritage, and areas where modern urban planning solutions have been applied. It is worth noting that various events are being held in the country within this framework.
The participation of Azerbaijani NGOs serves as a bridge between local and international communities, ensuring the exchange of practical solutions related to the sustainable development of cities. The active participation of foreign and local NGOs transforms WUF13 from being merely an intergovernmental platform into a field for multi-level cooperation and knowledge exchange. This ensures the implementation of such a large-scale initiative for the first time in the field of urbanization and urban planning in the Turkic world.
Panel discussions, exhibitions, and roundtables held within the framework of the forum will create opportunities to showcase innovative approaches in sustainable urban development, social inclusivity, and urbanization. The participation of foreign and local NGOs further enhances the practical and global significance of these discussions.
On May 12th, Ilham Aliyev familiarized himself with the work being carried out in connection with the 13th Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13). Chairman of the State Committee for Urban Planning and Architecture, Anar Guliyev, and Executive Director of the WUF13 Azerbaijan Operating Company, Adil Mammadov, informed the head of state about the work done.
It is worth noting that the area where the event will be held — the Baku Olympic Stadium and the general operational zone formed around it — covers 53 hectares. Of this, 43 hectares are planned as the main event area, and 10 hectares as the main transport terminal and parking-transfer zone. Registration, sessions, exhibitions, media, transport, technical support, volunteers, and area services are organized as a single operational system.
Overall, WUF13 to be held in Baku in 2026 and the declaration of this year as the "Year of Urban Planning and Architecture" are complementary strategic initiatives. These events strengthen Azerbaijan's claims of leadership in the field of urban planning and architecture, both regionally and globally. In this process, Baku is emerging not only as the host city but also as a successful example of a modern urbanization model.
