UN official says Baku to play key role in shaping global urban agenda

The United Nations has highlighted Azerbaijan’s capital, Baku, as set to play an important role in advancing global discussions on the future of cities, housing, and sustainable urban development ahead of a major UN conference later this month.

Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) Anacláudia Rossbach praised preparations for the upcoming World Urban Forum, writing on X, Caliber.Az reports. 

Thank you, H.E. President İlham Aliyev, for following closely the preparations for #WUF13.

Next week, Baku will play an important role in bringing global attention to the future of cities, #housing and sustainable urban development. https://t.co/jC5qoIiNej

— Anacláudia Rossbach (@AnacludiaRossb1) May 12, 2026

She also thanked Azerbaijani President İlham Aliyev for following closely the preparations for WUF13. 

"Next week, Baku will play an important role in bringing global attention to the future of cities, housing and sustainable urban development," she wrote on X. 

The 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) will take place in Baku from May 17 to 22, bringing together governments, urban planners, and international experts to discuss issues including housing, “smart cities,” and sustainable urban growth. The forum is organised jointly by Azerbaijan and UN-Habitat under the theme "Housing the world: Safe and resilient cities and communities."

Ahead of the event, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev visited the Baku Olympic Stadium on May 12 to review preparations for the international gathering.

By Sabina Mammadli