Azerbaijan gears up to host UN’s premier global urbanization forum PHOTO

On June 18, the first meeting of the Organising Committee for the 13th session of the United Nations World Urban Forum (WUF13) was held in Baku.

The meeting was opened by Samir Nuriyev, Head of the Presidential Administration of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Chair of the Organising Committee, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

In his remarks, Nuriyev highlighted that the development of cities and other settlements, ensuring sustainable living conditions, and providing residents with a comfortable and healthy lifestyle are key priorities in the policies of President Ilham Aliyev.

He noted that the “National Priorities for Socio-Economic Development: Azerbaijan 2030,” approved by the president, define urban development as one of the main strategic goals of the country’s socio-economic policy, and that extensive efforts are underway in this field. Under the president's leadership, comprehensive reconstruction projects are being carried out in the Karabakh and East Zangazur economic regions at a pace and quality unprecedented globally in post-conflict periods, all aligned with advanced urban development standards.

Emphasising that urbanisation processes have accelerated worldwide in the 21st century, Nuriyev added that Azerbaijan’s ongoing reforms and large-scale urban planning projects, as well as the country’s contributions to global cooperation in this field, have been highly regarded internationally. As a result, the decision to hold the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku in 2026 under the theme “Affordable Living for All: Safe and Sustainable Cities and Human Settlements” is a testament to Azerbaijan’s growing international standing and the global trust it enjoys.

Following his address, committee members presented reports on agenda items, including Anar Guliyev, Chairman of the State Committee for Urban Planning and Architecture and National Coordinator of WUF13; Eldar Azizov, Head of Baku City Executive Authority; and Elbay Gasymzade, Chairman of the Board of the Union of Architects of Azerbaijan.

At the conclusion of the session, Samir Nuriyev gave several directives to ensure the high-level organisation and execution of this prestigious event in accordance with President Aliyev’s instructions. These included tasks related to the national coordinator’s role, the WUF13 operational company, preparation of the event’s organisational roadmap, and establishment of the Organising Committee Secretariat, along with other key issues.

By Tamilla Hasanova