Sweden showcases sustainable urban design ahead of WUF13 in Baku

As Azerbaijan’s capital prepares to host the 13th World Urban Forum (WUF13) under the United Nations in the coming days, Swedish experts have arrived in Baku to showcase their experience in innovative urban development technologies.

An exhibition on contemporary Swedish architecture titled “Woodlife Sweden” is currently being held at ADA University, as Caliber.Az reports.

Swedish Ambassador to Azerbaijan Tobias Lorentzon visited the exhibition, which is organised in cooperation with the university. Speaking to local media, he highlighted how Sweden’s experience in low-carbon construction could help deepen cooperation with Azerbaijan in sustainable building, innovation, and urban development.

“Sweden’s experience in renewable materials and low-carbon construction is valuable for the global urban agenda and can help deepen cooperation between Sweden and Azerbaijan in sustainable construction, innovation and urban development,” he said.

The ambassador explained that “Woodlife Sweden” is a project developed by the Swedish Institute, a public agency tasked with promoting Sweden internationally and sharing information about the country. Developed together with leading Swedish architecture and design organisations, the project presents more than 40 examples of innovative wooden architecture from across Sweden, highlighting the country’s leadership in sustainable construction and showing how modern timber technologies support climate-oriented urban development in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

The event brought together architects, designers, urban planners, developers, academics, and government representatives, strengthening cooperation ahead of the UN forum. Sweden will also participate in WUF13, with mayors and officials from several Swedish cities attending.

The exhibition at ADA University will run until May 26, 2026.

Sweden will be represented at the 13th World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku at the level of mayors and municipal representatives.

According to the ambassador, representatives from the Swedish Embassy in Nairobi — where the headquarters of UN-Habitat is located — will also attend the forum in Baku.

“Mayors and representatives of Swedish cities participating in initiatives such as Viable Cities will also take part. The initiative focuses on building more sustainable and resilient cities,” Lorentzon said.

By Nazrin Sadigova