Media: Azerbaijan chosen to host WUF13 for urban planning excellence

Azerbaijan has been chosen to host the 13th World Urban Forum (WUF13), scheduled for May 2026, a move experts say recognises the country’s unique combination of rich architectural heritage and rapidly advancing modern urban development initiatives.

The announcement was highlighted in Architecture Update, a leading magazine for architects, interior designers, and urban developers. The publication emphasised that Azerbaijan’s urban planning achievements and cultural preservation efforts make it a natural choice for hosting the prestigious global forum.

In preparation for WUF13, Azerbaijan has declared 2026 as the “Year of Urban Planning and Architecture.” According to the magazine, this initiative establishes a national framework focused on urban planning policy, architectural culture, and sustainable development. “This decision establishes a national framework focused on urban planning policy, architectural culture, and sustainable development, aligning with Azerbaijan’s growing engagement in international urban development agendas. The declaration aims to preserve Azerbaijan’s centuries-old traditions while integrating contemporary approaches to address current social, environmental, and spatial challenges,” the article notes.

Architecture Update also highlighted Azerbaijan’s UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Icherisheher, the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, the Maiden Tower in Baku, and the historic centre of Sheki with its Khan Palace, as examples of the country’s rich architectural legacy.

By Vugar Khalilov