Baku, May 18, 2026 – The Europe Today: Azerbaijan is hosting the 13th Session of the United Nations World Urban Forum (WUF13) at the Baku Olympic Stadium from May 17 to 22, highlighting the country’s growing international stature and its commitment to sustainable urban development and innovative governance.
Held under the theme “Housing the World: Safe and Resilient Cities and Communities,” the global forum has brought together more than 40,000 participants from over 180 countries, marking the highest level of participation in the history of the World Urban Forum.
The large-scale international gathering is regarded as another major milestone for Azerbaijan, which has increasingly emerged as a center for global dialogue, international cooperation, and major cultural and sporting events.
To ensure the successful organization of WUF13, Azerbaijani authorities established a special Organizing Committee responsible for overseeing preparations, infrastructure development, logistics, transportation, security, and coordination with international partners.
Officials said the decision to host the forum in Azerbaijan reflects strong international confidence in the country’s capacity to organize major global events and recognition of its modern urban development policies.
Urban planning and sustainable development have been identified by Ilham Aliyev as key strategic priorities of Azerbaijan’s socio-economic agenda. Authorities noted that preserving architectural heritage while developing modern urban ecosystems remains a central pillar of state policy. Azerbaijan’s declaration of 2026 as the “Year of Urban Planning and Architecture” further underscores the importance attached to the sector.
Azerbaijan is also using WUF13 as an international platform to present its large-scale reconstruction and redevelopment projects in the Karabakh and East Zangezur economic regions. The “smart city” and “smart village” initiatives implemented under the “Great Return” programme, alongside green energy projects and ecological restoration efforts, are being showcased as examples of post-conflict reconstruction and sustainable urbanization.
The operational area surrounding the Baku Olympic Stadium spans approximately 53 hectares, including 43 hectares allocated for the main forum venue and an additional 10 hectares designated for transportation terminals and parking-transfer zones.
A fully integrated operations system has been established to manage registration, conference sessions, exhibitions, media services, transportation, volunteer coordination, technical support, and venue operations.
The main ceremonial hall can accommodate up to 6,000 participants simultaneously, while the core session area includes conference halls, thematic meeting rooms, UN event spaces, and bilateral discussion facilities. Around 300 parallel sessions, meetings, and discussions are expected to take place daily throughout the forum.
A dedicated media zone covering two hectares has also been established, featuring a modern Media Center with a capacity of 600 people and workspace for up to 400 journalists simultaneously. The facility includes television studios, live broadcast infrastructure, press briefing halls, interview rooms, and media lounges.
One of the forum’s most prominent attractions is the 3.5-hectare “Urban Expo Zone,” described as the largest exhibition ever organized in WUF history. The exhibition features participation from 217 organizations worldwide, while 66 countries are represented through national pavilions showcasing innovative urban solutions, housing projects, and sustainable development initiatives.
To enhance the visitor experience, organizers have also created a 2.5-hectare open-air “WUF13 Boulevard,” designed to provide participants with cultural, leisure, and dining experiences reflecting the atmosphere of modern urban living.
Volunteers are playing a central role throughout the event by assisting with participant registration, information services, logistics, exhibition coordination, and cultural activities.
Authorities have additionally implemented a comprehensive transport management system integrating electric buses, taxis, airport transfers, parking systems, and transportation hubs across Baku to ensure smooth participant movement during the forum.
Organizers emphasized that the successful hosting of WUF13 further demonstrates Azerbaijan’s growing contribution to addressing global urban challenges and promoting safe, sustainable, and inclusive cities worldwide.
