Azerbaijan Accelerates Preparations to Host World Urban Forum WUF13
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Azerbaijani government, ahead of the 13th World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku in May 2026, is intensifying preparations to welcome the event, which is expected to serve as a momentum for sustainable urban development.
The Embassy of Azerbaijan in Jakarta stated that after being appointed as the host of WUF13 in December 2023, Azerbaijan has continued to work with the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) to prepare for the agenda.
“President Ilham Aliyev has designated 2026 as the ‘Year of Urban Planning and Architecture’ in Azerbaijan,” according to a written statement from the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Jakarta on Tuesday, highlighting one of the preparatory steps taken by Baku.
Through this designation, Azerbaijan aims to participate in WUF13 by sharing its experiences in developing smart city and village models that combine digital technology, renewable energy, and modern infrastructure.
The Smart Village Aghali has been established as a model for smart village development with innovations, said the Azerbaijani Embassy, noting that the project also serves as a step towards recovery and rejuvenation in the Karabakh and East Zangezur regions, aligned with urban planning principles.
Other cities in Azerbaijan also demonstrate harmony between the past and present, as exemplified by Baku, where the old city site of Icherisheher stands alongside icons of modernity such as the Heydar Aliyev Center and Flame Towers.
Baku’s designation as the host of WUF13 reflects Azerbaijan’s growing contribution to innovative, sustainable, and inclusive urban development, according to the embassy’s statement.
In addition, Azerbaijan has the opportunity to engage in high-level global discussions on how a city should develop.
“WUF13 in Baku comes at an important time. This agenda provides a platform for countries to collectively share solutions and shape safer, greener, and more inclusive cities for future generations,” stated the Azerbaijani Embassy.
This year’s WUF13 will be held under the theme “Making Cities and Communities Safe and Resilient” and will feature heads of government, international organisations, academics, and urban experts.
In the agenda, participants will discuss efforts to address major challenges in housing access and climate resilience, as well as infrastructure and social inclusivity, in line with efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
WUF13 will also serve as a platform for exchanging ideas, best practices, and real solutions, while opening opportunities for new inter-sectoral and inter-country partnerships, according to the Azerbaijani Embassy in Jakarta.