Baku briefs media ahead of World Urban Forum 2026

An information session was held in Baku for media representatives who will cover the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13), as Azerbaijan steps up preparations to host one of the world’s leading conferences on sustainable urban development.

The meeting was organised by the Media Development Agency in conjunction with the WUF13 Operating Company. The event aimed to brief journalists on preparations for the forum, its agenda, priority themes and expected outcomes, while also outlining accreditation procedures and logistical arrangements for international media, Caliber.Az reports via local media. 

Gulshan Rzayeva, Deputy National Coordinator of WUF13, said Azerbaijan’s selection as host country reflects the effectiveness of its state policies and its growing international profile. She noted that WUF13 will be held in the South Caucasus region for the first time, describing it as a significant milestone for both the country and the wider region.

Anna Soave, Head of the Country Office of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), said preparations are progressing smoothly. She underlined Azerbaijan’s increasing visibility in global climate and development discussions following its hosting of COP29.

She noted that COP29 has firmly established Azerbaijan on the global climate map and now WUF13 can further confirm the country’s strategic role, both in understanding the conditions for post-conflict recovery and in shaping innovative urban policies.

Natig Mammadli, Deputy Executive Director of the Azerbaijan Media Development Agency, highlighted the importance of professional and informed coverage of major international events. He described COP29 as a valuable learning experience for local journalists and expressed confidence that the skills gained would facilitate reporting at WUF13.

Mammadli also pointed to a shortage of specialised expertise in urban planning, noting that targeted briefings and training sessions help strengthen journalists’ capacity in this field.

Jamila Ismayilzada, content programme manager for the WUF13 Operating Company, presented an overview of the upcoming forum’s programme. She announced that Baku Urban Development Week will take place from 11 to 17 May as a precursor to the main forum.

The session also featured an interactive component: journalists were divided into groups and assigned thematic case studies related to urban development challenges. Participants were tasked with proposing practical solutions, presenting them in short briefings and justifying their public relevance and media framing.

International journalist Laura Putkame, who specialises in urban planning, joined the event online to share insights from her experience covering global urban issues.

The 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13), convened by UN-Habitat, will be held in Baku from May 17 to 22, bringing together policymakers, urban planners, development experts and civil society representatives from around the world to discuss sustainable urbanisation and the future of cities.

By Sabina Mammadli