Azerbaijan eyes preparations for World Urban Forum 13 during UN-Habitat session

Azerbaijan has taken part in the first session of the 2026 Executive Council of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), as preparations intensify for a major global urban development conference to be hosted in the country later this year.

The meeting focused on preparations for the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13), which is scheduled to take place in May in Baku. The Azerbaijani government and UN-Habitat are jointly coordinating the event, Caliber.Az reports.

Officials provided detailed updates on organisational efforts for WUF13, whose central theme—“Housing the world: Safe and resilient cities and communities" — was highlighted as a key global priority in sustainable urban development.

The forum’s broader strategic role in shaping international urban policy was also underlined during the session. A report was presented by Permanent Representative Sultan Hajiyev on behalf of Azerbaijan and Somalia, co-chairs of the UN-Habitat Open-ended Intergovernmental Expert Working Group on Adequate Housing for All, outlining the group’s 2026 work plan.

Member states were additionally briefed on outcomes from the second African Urban Forum held in Nairobi from April 8–10, as well as upcoming initiatives linked to WUF13 and other global urban development programmes.

The participation of a delegation led by Anar Guliyev, Chairman of the State Committee on Urban Planning and Architecture and National Coordinator of WUF13, was also noted, with emphasis placed on the connection between the African Urban Forum and the upcoming Baku event.

WUF13 is scheduled for May 17–22 in Baku and will bring together international stakeholders to exchange experience on sustainable urban development, smart cities, and innovative urban solutions.

By Sabina Mammadli