Azerbaijan takes global spotlight as WUF13 kicks off in Baku

The 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) officially opens in Baku on May 17, bringing together tens of thousands of participants from across the globe to discuss the future of sustainable urban development.

The event is taking place at the Baku Olympic Stadium and will run until May 22. The forum is jointly organized by the UN Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) and the Government of Azerbaijan, Caliber.Az reports per local media.

WUF13 is considered one of the most important international platforms hosted by Azerbaijan in recent years.

More than 40,000 participants from 182 countries have registered for the forum, marking a record level of attendance in its history.

The figure is seen as evidence of the forum's growing global influence and rising international interest in Azerbaijan.

The program includes discussions on sustainable urban planning, climate change, urbanization, affordable housing, digital transformation, and green city models.

WUF13 will also serve as a major dialogue platform, bringing together government officials, city leaders, international organizations, experts, investors, and civil society representatives from around the world.

Particular focus will be placed on Azerbaijan’s large-scale reconstruction and urban development efforts in Karabakh and East Zangazur.

The country aims to present its smart city and smart village projects implemented in the liberated territories, along with initiatives to transform the region into a green energy zone, as a modern model for urbanization and ecological restoration.

The forum is also expected to highlight Azerbaijan’s growing experience in hosting major international events and its expanding role in global cooperation platforms.

Hosting WUF13 is seen as significant both for strengthening the country’s international standing and for promoting its policies on sustainable development and modern urban planning.

In addition to the UN’s six official languages—Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish—simultaneous interpretation will also be provided in Azerbaijani and Turkish.

WUF13 also stands out as the first edition of the forum to include a Leaders Summit segment in its program, further enhancing its political and strategic significance.

By Jeyhun Aghazada