WUF13 In Azerbaijan: Advancing Inclusive And Resilient Urban Futures – OpEd

Next year, Baku will host the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13), bringing together experts, city mayors, policymakers, and thought leaders from around the globe to discuss urban development, sustainability, and innovative design.

The urgency of this mission is undeniable. Today, nearly three billion people worldwide live in inadequate housing conditions. An additional 1.1 billion people reside in informal settlements or temporary shelters, while more than 300 million are completely homeless. (1) These realities pose serious health, safety, and economic challenges for societies across the globe.

The World Urban Forum is the United Nations’ largest global platform dedicated to sustainable urbanization. It convenes governments, mayors, experts, civil society organizations, youth, and the private sector to shape the future of cities. Its importance is growing, as more than half of the world’s population—56 percent—now lives in urban areas. Decisions and discussions held at the Forum directly influence global policies on housing, infrastructure, environmental protection, and urban planning.

WUF13, to be held in Baku from 17 to 22 May 2026, is organized under the theme “Housing the World: Safe and Resilient Cities.” For one week, Baku will become a global hub for urban policy dialogue. The Forum will focus on one of today’s most pressing challenges: ensuring access to affordable, safe, and sustainable housing while strengthening cities against climate and environmental risks.

Azerbaijan will present its own initiatives during the Forum. Notably, a Leaders’ Summit will be held for the first time within the WUF framework. Heads of state and government from UN member countries will gather to exchange views on global housing challenges and sustainable urban development, elevating the issue to the highest political level and encouraging stronger international commitments. The Forum will also serve as a platform for building partnerships. Participants will have opportunities to expand their professional networks and engage with city leaders, policymakers, and innovators from around the world. 

The World Urban Forum has particular significance for the Global South, where the pace of urbanization is fastest, and the challenges are most acute. Rapid population growth, informal settlements, housing shortages, climate vulnerability, and limited access to finance disproportionately affect cities in developing regions. In this context, the Forum has become a critical platform for ensuring that the voices, priorities, and lived realities of the Global South are reflected in global urban policy discussions. The strong participation of African, Asian, and Latin American countries in previous World Urban Forums underscores its role as a trusted space for advancing inclusive dialogue. 

Through its chairmanship of the Non-Aligned Movement and its presidency of COP29, Azerbaijan consistently advocated for the interests of developing countries, emphasizing climate justice, increased financial commitments, and equitable access to global resources. Hosting WUF13 in Baku builds directly on this momentum.

The WUF13 program will feature high-level speakers, strategic dialogues, partner-led events, and a comprehensive urban exhibition. Its objective is to elevate the global housing crisis as a top policy priority, showcase practical solutions and best practices, foster partnerships, and encourage concrete commitments—including financing, policy actions, and pledges. The Forum will also deliver key outcomes such as the WUF13 Perspectives, an official report, and the Baku Call to Action.

Housing affordability remains a central factor in preventing homelessness, while reconstruction and restoration in crisis-affected regions are urgent global priorities. Azerbaijan enters this process not only as a host country, but also as a practical example of how sustainable urban development principles can be implemented. 

A compelling example of Azerbaijan’s urban development vision is unfolding in its post-conflict regions—Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur. At the same time, Azerbaijan’s cultural heritage reflects centuries of urban civilization. Icherisheher, the Shirvanshahs’ Palace, the Maiden Tower, the historic center of Sheki, and Gobustan—inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List (2) —are not merely historical monuments; they are Azerbaijan’s contributions to world culture.

Tragically, a significant part of this cultural heritage was deliberately destroyed during nearly 30 years of occupation (3) of Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur by Armenia. As a result, almost one million Azerbaijanis were forcibly displaced, becoming refugees and internally displaced persons.

The historic Victory achieved in the 44-day Patriotic War was not only the restoration of Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, but also the return of its history, culture, and cities. In this context, holding Azerbaijan’s first National Urban Planning Forum in the liberated city of Aghdam—once referred to as the “Caucasian Hiroshima”—carried deep symbolic meaning.

The goal of the “Great Return” program extends beyond rebuilding homes and cities. It aims to provide people with a safe, inclusive, and sustainable future in their homeland. Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur are now emerging as model territories for the global urbanization agenda. These regions are being developed as net-zero carbon zones, with smart cities and smart villages equipped with cloud-based systems, online health services, high-speed fiber-optic internet, and intelligent transport management.

Azerbaijan’s modern urban development experience is not limited to post-conflict areas. Contemporary urban planning in Baku, advanced transport and infrastructure projects across the regions, the establishment of ecological parks, and the creation of socially oriented residential complexes all reflect the country’s broader urbanization vision.

Moreover, Azerbaijan has extensive experience in hosting major international events, including Formula 1 races, the Eurovision Song Contest, the European Olympic Games, and the Islamic Solidarity Games. Last year alone, more than 190 international events addressing global issues were held in the country.

Azerbaijan plays an active role in global dialogue on urban development and sustainability and remains strongly committed to inclusive and climate-resilient urban planning. By successfully hosting UN Climate Conference - COP29 last year, Azerbaijan contributed to tripling (4) global climate finance through intensive diplomatic engagement, acting as a bridge between the Global North and the Global South.

The country has officially declared 2026 as the “Urban Planning and Architecture Year,” (5) underscoring its commitment to combining rich historical heritage with modern architectural solutions and transforming post-conflict areas into smart, green, and healthy cities.

In 2026, Azerbaijan will also host the World Environment Day. (6) This important event will further highlight Azerbaijan’s contribution to international environmental cooperation, promote the outcomes of COP29, and create strong synergy with the 13th World Urban Forum.

Cities must ultimately serve people—they must be inclusive, safe, climate-resilient, and centered on human dignity. Azerbaijan will emphasize global solidarity, housing affordability, and reconstruction based on modern standards guided by sustainability principles.

Participants of WUF13 can expect excellent organization, world-class hospitality, modern infrastructure, and a rich cultural experience. Azerbaijan is preparing to welcome the world and contribute meaningfully to shaping the future of cities.

Endnotes:

1.  https://social.desa.un.org/world-summit-2025/blog/300million-people-homeless-worldwide
2.  https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/958/
3.  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armenian-occupied_territories_surrounding_Nagorno-Karabakh
4.  https://unfccc.int/news/cop29-un-climate-conference-agrees-to-triple-finance-to-developing-countries-protecting-lives-and
5.  https://azertag.az/en/xeber/2026_declared_year_of_urban_planning_and_architecture_in_azerbaijan-3930127#:~:text=President%20Ilham%20Aliyev%20has%20signed,Planning%20and%20Architecture%E2%80%9D%20in%20Azerbaijan.
6.  https://www.worldenvironmentday.global/2026/about/theme-and-host