Baku to define future of global cities at World Urban Forum Article by Moldovan media / PHOTO

From May 17 to 22, 2026, Baku will become the global centre of urbanism. It will host the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) – one of the largest events in the United Nations’ global calendar. It is expected that the Republic of Moldova will be represented at the forum by a sizeable delegation, including mayors of Moldovan cities. This year’s main theme, “Housing for All: Safe and Resilient Cities,” sounds like a call to action. With less than a month remaining until the opening day, preparations are in full swing.

During that sunny week in May, Azerbaijan’s capital will turn into a hub for discussions and proposals on the future of cities, focusing on key issues such as housing accessibility and sustainable urban infrastructure development. The forum’s slogan reflects the growing need to find solutions to global challenges faced by cities worldwide.

What is the World Urban Forum?

The United Nations established the World Urban Forum (WUF) in 2001 to address one of the most pressing challenges of modern times – rapid urbanisation and its impact on society, politics, the economy and the climate. For comparison: in the mid-20th century, only 20% of the world’s population lived in cities; today, that figure has reached 45%, out of a global population of 8.2 billion.

“At WUF13, particular attention will be paid to ensuring housing for all, as well as creating safe and sustainable cities,” says energy expert Jean Baderschneider, former vice-president of ExxonMobil and currently a board member of the Nizami Ganjavi International Centre in Baku.

In her official statement, she noted that “the forum will continue the important discussions initiated at the UN Climate Conference (COP29), held in Baku in 2024, and will represent a significant step towards addressing global challenges.” In March 2026, she also highlighted Azerbaijan’s important role as an energy partner of Europe and a potential global hub for green energy, stressing the country’s ability to bring international efforts together.

COP29 experience for the World Urban Forum

A year and a half ago, Azerbaijan demonstrated its capacity to successfully host major international events at the highest level. The 2024 UN Climate Change Conference (COP29), held in Baku from 11 to 22 November, became a milestone in international climate diplomacy. Delegations from all 198 countries that are parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change attended the conference.

A total of 67,000 participants registered for COP29, including more than 3,000 media representatives and 1,700 representatives of the extractive industries. Numerous meetings, summits and congresses were attended by heads of state, government leaders and international organisations, including UN Secretary-General António Guterres and World Bank President Ajay Banga. Almost all praised the organisation and logistics of the conference.

The event resulted in major decisions on 52 key climate issues, formalised in the Baku Climate Unity Pact (BAKU PACT), which became a foundation for further global climate action.

“COP29 will go down in history as one of the greatest climate meetings,” said President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev following the event on social media.

He also highlighted the country’s shift towards green energy and the development of innovative technologies, including “smart villages” in liberated territories.

Preparation for the UN forum

The 13th session of the World Urban Forum will bring together a wide range of participants. Preliminary estimates last December suggested around 30,000 attendees, with numbers expected to rise as confirmations continue.

Participants at WUF13 will focus on solutions to the global housing crisis, with emphasis on housing as the foundation of safe and sustainable communities. The forum will serve as a platform for exchanging ideas and developing practical solutions.

“To prepare the international community, UN-Habitat, together with the Government of Azerbaijan, held preparatory meetings in Geneva, including sessions with diplomats and journalists,” the UN stated.

At the briefing, UN-Habitat Executive Director Anacláudia Rossbach and Azerbaijani State Committee Chairman Anar Guliyev presented the forum’s concept. The focus is on addressing a housing crisis affecting nearly one-third of the global population.

Former Latvian President Vaira Vīķe-Freiberga, one of the co-organisers, stated that decent housing and basic services are fundamental human needs, noting that over three billion people live in inadequate housing conditions.

Unique symbol and high technology for the forum in Baku

Each World Urban Forum session has its own logo. For WUF13 in Baku, the design connects the forum’s theme with Azerbaijan’s cultural identity.

It combines two symbols: the Maiden Tower, representing historical heritage, and the Flame Towers, symbolising modern development. The design reflects the dialogue between past and present in the city.

Baku itself illustrates the forum’s themes, combining historic architecture with a modern metropolis. During COP29, the city hosted tens of thousands of visitors while maintaining normal daily life.

Transport was one of the key challenges, and Baku’s solutions are being further developed for WUF13. Urban mobility will be a central topic, as by 2050 nearly 70% of the global population is expected to live in cities.

The Ministry of Digital Development and Transport stated that the transport system for WUF13 will be an integrated, innovative ecosystem involving national infrastructure operators.

Electric taxis, eco-friendly buses, bicycles and scooters will be widely used to support sustainability and reduce emissions.

These measures align with Baku’s “Green and Sustainable City” strategy under its development plan to 2040 and aim to leave a long-term positive legacy.

The logo design also draws on the traditional Azerbaijani art of shebeke, symbolising diversity, unity and resilience, and reflecting Baku’s identity as the “City of Winds” and its commitment to green energy and innovation.