Jordan Daily: Baku’s WUF2026 set to be turning point for cities worldwide

The 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13), scheduled to take place in Baku from May 17–22, 2026, will mark a turning point in political engagement in addressing urban development challenges, according to an article by Jordan Daily.

The article emphasises that in May 2026, Baku will play a significant global role by hosting WUF13. The event will bring together political leaders, experts, opinion leaders, and innovators to discuss the most pressing challenges of urbanisation and develop ways to overcome the most serious problems facing modern cities.

According to the publication, the forum’s central theme is “Housing for All: Safe and Resilient Cities.” The main areas of discussion will include improving housing affordability, strengthening cities’ climate resilience, attracting financial resources, and creating innovative urban planning models tailored to the specific conditions of different regions.

“The World Urban Forum is recognized as the largest UN platform for sustainable urban development. It is not merely a technical conference but a space that brings together diverse actors at multiple levels. Its strength lies in the diversity of participants — from national governments and city administrations to civil society organisations, youth, investors, and architects — reflecting the growing awareness that housing and urban management are global issues tied to social justice, climate, and the economy. The upcoming World Urban Forum in Baku (2026) is expected to mark a turning point in political engagement,” the publication notes.

The outlet also highlights that a distinctive feature of the upcoming forum will be the Leaders’ Summit, which will bring together heads of state and government for the first time. This reflects the growing recognition of urban development issues as a key component of national strategies and a factor in global stability.

The authors of the publication note that the most pronounced urban challenges today are observed in countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East, where rapid urban expansion is occurring amid underdeveloped infrastructure, resource shortages, and increased vulnerability to climate risks.

Jordan Daily emphasises that for developing countries, the forum presents an exceptional opportunity to showcase their own approaches and participate in shaping the international agenda on urban policy. The presence of cities from the Global South enhances the significance of the platform as a mechanism for inclusive dialogue and mutual exchange of experience.

The article also states that hosting the forum in Baku represents a strategic opportunity for Azerbaijan to demonstrate its development model, which harmoniously combines the preservation of historical heritage with modern urbanisation processes. Examples of this include the Old City (Icherisheher), the Historic Centre of Sheki with the Khan’s Palace, and the Gobustan Cultural Landscape.

The publication notes that Azerbaijan gives priority to recovery initiatives in Karabakh and East Zangezur, where advanced urban concepts are being implemented. These include “smart” settlements, digital services, renewable energy sources, and carbon neutrality principles integrated into the “Great Return” programme.

The article also highlights that Azerbaijan has strengthened its position on the international stage, particularly through hosting COP29, acting as a bridge between developed and developing countries.

According to the publication, the forum’s programme will include high-level dialogues, technical sessions, exhibitions and presentations of practical solutions, as well as the launch of new partnership initiatives and the preparation of policy and analytical reports.

In conclusion, the outlet states that hosting WUF13 in Baku carries deep symbolic significance, emphasising the interconnected nature of global urban processes and the idea that the future of humanity is inseparable from the development of cities that must be sustainable, inclusive, and people-centred.