AZERBAIJAN will host the 13th Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku from May 17 to 22, 2026, an important milestone in the country’s growing role in global urban development. Organized by the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), the forum is one of the world’s leading platforms for shaping the future of cities.
The decision to hold WUF13 in Baku was announced in December 2023. Since then, Azerbaijan has been working closely with UN-Habitat to prepare for the event. The choice of Baku is no coincidence, it reflects Azerbaijan’s increasing contribution to innovative, sustainable and inclusive urban development, as well as its active engagement in global discussions on how cities should evolve.
Held under the theme “Housing the World: Safe and Resilient Cities and Communities,” the forum will bring together government leaders, international organizations, academics and urban professionals. Together, they will tackle some of today’s most pressing challenges from access to housing and climate resilience to infrastructure and social inclusion, all aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Beyond discussions, WUF13 will serve as a hub for sharing ideas, best practices and real-world solutions. It will also open doors for new partnerships across countries and sectors.
In support of this effort, President Ilham Aliyev declared 2026 the “year of urban planning and architecture” in Azerbaijan. This initiative highlights the country’s focus on modern urban policy, forward-looking design and sustainable development. Azerbaijan intends to contribute to the forum by sharing its experience, particularly its “smart city” and “smart village” models.
These projects combine digital technologies, renewable energy and modern infrastructure to create more sustainable and resilient communities. One standout example is the Aghali Smart Village in the liberated territories, which showcases how innovation can transform rural development. This project is part of a broader effort to rebuild and revitalize the Karabakh and East Zangezur regions, where new communities are being developed based on modern urban planning principles. Within the framework of the “Great Return” program, Azerbaijan’s experience offers valuable lessons in post-conflict recovery and sustainable resettlement.
At the same time, Azerbaijan’s cities reflect a unique blend of old and new. Historic landmarks such as Icherisheher and the Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape stand alongside modern icons such as the Heydar Aliyev Center and the Flame Towers, illustrating a balance between heritage and innovation.
Today, more than half of the world’s population lives in cities, and that number continues to grow. Against this global backdrop, WUF13 in Baku comes at a crucial moment. It will provide a platform for countries to come together, share solutions, and shape cities that are safer, greener and more inclusive for future generations.
