A media briefing was held on the work carried out in preparation for the Thirteenth Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13), to be held in Baku on May 17-22, 2026.
Modern.az reports that the latest information on the work carried out within the framework of the session's preparation process, the WUF13 website, and a centralized reservation platform were presented to the briefing participants.
Speaking at the media briefing, Gulshan Rzayeva, Deputy National Coordinator of WUF13 and Deputy Head of the Apparatus of the State Committee for Urban Planning and Architecture, stated that the holding of the 13th World Urban Forum in Azerbaijan and the declaration of 2026 as the “Year of Urban Planning and Architecture” in the country are integral parts of a unified strategic approach. These initiatives create a significant and unique opportunity to showcase the country's priorities in urban planning on an international platform, increase global attention to the region, and achieve real and sustainable results from discussions. She emphasized that for the first time in the history of the World Urban Forum, organizing discussions on housing and urban planning issues at the highest political level in Baku will significantly contribute to this field holding a priority position on the global agenda and to the formation of a more systematic approach in the decision-making process. It was noted that WUF13 “will not merely be a platform for declarations, but a forum focused on implementation, partnership, and concrete steps in the field of housing provision and urban sustainability.”
Edlam Yemeru, Director of the Global Knowledge and Advocacy Section of the UN Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), touching upon the theme of WUF13, “Housing for All: Safe and Sustainable Cities and Human Settlements,” stated that within the framework of the event, the main focus will be on the global housing crisis affecting approximately 3 billion people.
She also noted the special significance of 2026 from the perspective of the global urban agenda: “This year, the World Urban Forum will not just be a conference. In addition to celebrating the 10th anniversary of the New Urban Agenda, we will also review the progress of SDG11 on sustainable cities and communities. This will provide an opportunity to assess the current state of our work and accelerate progress.”
Speaking at the event, Kenan Guluzade, Advisor to the Chairman of the State Tourism Agency, stated that Azerbaijan has extensive business tourism experience in organizing global events such as WUF13, and that the tourism industry, including hotels, is ready to welcome guests. He noted that training is planned for improving service quality in accommodation facilities, as well as for catering establishments operating within accommodation facilities and independently. Kenan Guluzade also provided information on the organization of a panel session by the Agency within WUF13 on the topic “Transformation of Heritage Settlements through Community-Oriented Tourism” and the establishment of a national tourism stand in the exhibition area.
A video clip was shown, reflecting the main operations carried out within the framework of preparation for the WUF13 event, as well as the construction and installation works implemented at the Baku Olympic Stadium, which is the official venue.
The official website www.wuf13.az was presented at the media briefing. Prepared in Azerbaijani and English, the website will serve as the main guide for those wishing to attend the global event to be held in Baku in May 2026.
The website provides users with access to important logistical information regarding the WUF13 event, visa procedures, accommodation, and transportation, while also serving as an interactive digital resource presenting Azerbaijan's rich cultural heritage and urban planning history. Visitors can familiarize themselves with our country's urban planning history in the “Tarixi izimiz” (Our Urban Trace) section, and obtain detailed information about Azerbaijan's architecture, national cuisine, and nature in the “Azərbaycan xəzinələri” (Treasures of Azerbaijan) section.
