Dutch delegation of 50 to attend WUF13 in Baku, ambassador says

Marianne de Jong, the Netherlands’ ambassador to Baku, announced that her country will send a large delegation to the 13th World Urban Forum (WUF13), which will be held in Baku from May 17 to May 22, 2026.

Speaking at a press briefing, the diplomat said the delegation will be led by The Hague Mayor Jan van Zanen.

“The head of the delegation will be The Hague Mayor Van Zanen. I met with him at the ambassadors’ conference—he is very interested in this trip (to Azerbaijan, — ed.). The delegation will be large, consisting of about 50 people,” she said.

The 13th World Urban Forum, organised by UN-Habitat and held every two years, is the United Nations’ main global conference on cities and urban development. This year’s edition will take place in Baku, Azerbaijan, marking the first time the forum is hosted in the Caucasus region.

Held under the theme “Housing the world: Safe and resilient cities and communities,” the forum will focus on addressing the global housing crisis and advancing sustainable urban development. It is expected to bring together thousands of participants, including government leaders, mayors, urban planners, businesses, and representatives of non-governmental organisations.

The program will feature high-level dialogues, technical sessions, an Urban Expo, networking events, and policy discussions aimed at tackling pressing challenges such as housing shortages, climate resilience, and urban inequality. The forum also plays a key role in shaping global urban policy and advancing the implementation of the United Nations’ New Urban Agenda.

Overall, WUF13 is set to position Baku as an important platform for international discussions on the future of cities and sustainable urban development.

By Tamilla Hasanova