WUF13 refers to the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF), the premier global conference on sustainable urbanisation, organised by UN-Habitat and the Government of Azerbaijan. It brings together leaders, experts, policymakers and communities to discuss the future of cities and share innovative solutions for building more inclusive, resilient and sustainable urban environments. 

WUF13 will be held from 17 to 22 May 2026 at the Baku Olympic Stadium, located at 323 Heydar Aliyev, Baku, Azerbaijan. More information on the location can be found here.

WUF13 is open to all individuals and organisations with an interest in sustainable urban development, including representatives of national and local governments, urban planners and architects, civil society and community organisations, academics and researchers, private sector representatives, youth and grassroots movements, the media, and the public. Participation is free of charge; however, prior registration is required.

The main theme of WUF13 is “Housing the world: Safe and resilient cities and communities”. WUF13 will focus on addressing today’s most pressing urban challenges, including climate resilience and urban sustainability, inclusive and affordable housing, urban innovation and smart technologies, youth engagement, and community participation. For detailed information, please refer to the official theme and agenda.

 

Yes. WUF13 offers opportunities for exhibitions, networking events, training sessions, and partner-led dialogues. Organisations interested in showcasing their work or hosting sessions may apply through the official platform. The deadline for the Urban Expo is 10 April 2026.  

Attendance at WUF13 is free of charge; however, all participants must register in advance. Attendees are responsible for their own travel, accommodation, and visa arrangements.

The working language of the World Urban Forum is English. Interpretation will be provided in Azerbaijani, the six official United Nations languages (English, French, Spanish, Russian, Arabic, and Chinese), and sign language during the opening and closing sessions, dialogues, special sessions, roundtables, and press conferences.

Please submit a request to brand@wuf13.az, including information about your organisation, the intended use of the logo, and the requested file format.

Media accreditation for WUF13 is managed through an official process announced by UN-Habitat. For the application procedures, please visit the link.

Members of the media can send their enquiries to the official WUF13 media team at media@wuf13.az.

Information about the various events at WUF13 will be available in the WUF13 programme on this website soon.

WUF13 offers two types of registration: online and on-site. Online registration is strongly recommended as it allows you to complete the process conveniently through the official website. The online registration process for all participants, delegates, and guests is managed through UN-Habitat’s Global Event Management System (GEMS) via the link below: UN-Habitat GEMS  

On-site registration must be completed in person at the Registration and Accreditation Centre at the WUF13 venue.

The WUF13 badges will be distributed at the Registration and Accreditation Centre at the WUF13 venue, Baku Olympic Stadium.

Badge distribution for registered participants will take place from 14 to 22 May 2026.

To obtain the WUF13 badge, foreign visitors will need to present their passports, while local participants must provide a valid ID. 

An international Urban Expo will take place throughout WUF13, showcasing sustainable urban development projects, best practices, and innovative solutions to address challenges related to housing, transport, energy, and climate change, among others. The Expo will feature both small booths and large pavilions, which may also host unofficial events. Thousands of visitors are expected to pass through the Urban Expo during each WUF, making it a popular destination. WUF13 registration is compulsory to visit the Urban Expo.

For more information, please refer to the Urban Expo Guidelines.

The United Nations and its Member States, local and regional authorities, civil society, academia, the private sector, and other organisations may host exhibition booths and pavilions at the Urban Expo. Exhibitors may apply for space on a first-come, first-served basis and will be selected based on their applications. Selling items during the Urban Expo is prohibited.  

For more information on rules and regulations, as well as prices for space-only and pre-built booths, please refer to the Urban Expo Guidelines.

The Urban Expo application form is expected to be open until 10 April 2026. Please visit this website regularly for updates. A schedule for the build-up, rollout, and dismantling periods will be available in the Urban Expo Guidelines.

You can submit an Urban Expo application by selecting "Applications" from the menu in the personal dashboard on the UN-Habitat Global Event Management System (GEMS) via the link UN-Habitat GEMS. Your exhibition space application will be reviewed and confirmed upon payment, if accepted.

Please refer to the Urban Expo Guidelines for details on pricing for pre-built booths and space-only options (for larger, custom-designed pavilions).

If you are registered as an exhibitor, you may participate in all WUF13 sessions and events. Registration as an exhibitor also serves as registration for WUF13.

Yes. Exhibitors must ensure that at least one staff member is present at their booth or pavilion at all times throughout the Forum.

All registered exhibitors may access meetings that are open to all WUF13 participants.

Yes. If you wish to visit the Urban Expo, you must still register and obtain a WUF13 badge.

• Networking events
• Voices from Cities
• SDGs in Action
• Urban Library
• ONE UN
• WUF Academy events
• Urban Cinema

More information can be found here.

Visa requirements vary depending on nationality. Participants are advised to review Azerbaijan’s visa regulations before travelling. Further information and guidance specific to WUF13 participants will be shared soon.

The unified online central reservation platform for WUF13 has been launched at https://accommodation.wuf13.az/. The official reservation platform is accessible to all participants for accommodation-related arrangements. After registering on the official reservation portal, participants can book their accommodation according to the event dates. Participants are advised to reserve their preferred accommodation as early as possible due to availability.

Accommodation options for WUF13 participants are now available through the official platform, offering a wide range of hotels across all categories and serviced residences to suit different preferences and budgets. Additional options, such as hostels, are also listed on the platform for participants seeking more budget-friendly choices.

Yes. Individual users can book up to nine rooms through the portal. For group bookings exceeding this limit, please contact the WUF13 Accommodation Team directly at accommodation@wuf13.az

Yes. The accommodation portal displays real-time availability and prices for all listed properties.

Yes. The reservation platform includes a range of accommodation options filtered by category and budget, allowing participants to choose options that best suit their preferences.

Participants are required to sign up on the reservation platform before completing their accommodation booking. The registration process takes only a few minutes, and the accommodation portal is accessible to all registered users.

The system does not allow direct changes or modifications to bookings. Any change requests must be submitted to the designated accommodation support team at accommodation@wuf13.az.

Yes. A confirmation email will be sent immediately after your booking is completed through the portal.

Yes. The booking confirmation received through the official portal may be used to support your visa application, together with the registration confirmation letter.

The accommodation portal accepts payments by credit card and wire transfer.

Full payment is required at the time of booking.

Yes. The system will automatically generate a confirmation letter and payment receipt once your booking is completed.

Please contact the accommodation support team for all portal-related enquiries and booking support at accommodation@wuf13.az.

Yes. Given the number of official hotels involved, dedicated WUF13 hospitality desks will be available to assist participants.

WUF13 is committed to ensuring an inclusive and accessible experience for all participants by implementing a range of accessibility measures that support diverse needs and enable full participation in the Forum. WUF13 offers a range of accessibility services, including:

• Support for wheelchair users: ramps, lifts, dedicated registration and help desks, spare wheelchairs, portable power stations, maintenance and repair stations, and accessible restrooms and catering areas.
• Support for visually impaired participants: tactile maps, Braille signage and brochures, high-contrast markers, tactile paving, guide dog relief areas, and a fully accessible website.
• Service and guide dogs: three outdoor relief areas, a veterinary examination room, and assistance with pet-friendly hotel bookings.
• Hearing and speech support: sign language interpretation for key sessions and ceremonies, hearing loop systems, CART transcription, and optional paid interpreters.
• Cognitive support: three quiet rooms, Sunflower lanyards for discreet support needs, and trained staff to assist participants with invisible disabilities.
• Transport support: accessible buses, taxis, metro services, and designated parking and drop-off points, with guide dogs permitted on all transport.

For any accessibility-related assistance, please contact the Accessibility Team of WUF13 Azerbaijan Operations Company at accessibility@wuf13.az. The team will provide guidance and support to help ensure an inclusive and comfortable experience for all participants.

WUF13 welcomes guide and service dogs and provides three outdoor Service Dog Relief Areas for rest and relief. A dedicated Veterinary Examination Room is available for service dogs if required. Participants travelling with guide dogs should contact the WUF13 team in advance to assist with booking pet-friendly hotel accommodation. For accessibility-related enquiries or assistance, please contact the Accessibility Team of WUF13 Azerbaijan Operations Company at accessibility@wuf13.az.

At the WUF13 venue, a dedicated fast-track lane will be available at security checkpoints for participants with disabilities. A private security screening room will also be provided to ensure comfort and privacy during the process. Airport, guest services, security, and transport staff have been trained to assist participants with disabilities, ensuring an inclusive and supportive experience throughout.

For additional assistance or special accessibility requests, please contact the Accessibility Team of WUF13 Azerbaijan Operations Company at accessibility@wuf13.az.

Yes. The venue is equipped with accessible restrooms.

Accessible buses, taxis, and metro services will be available between the airport, hotels, and the WUF13 venue. All WUF13 transport vehicles meet international accessibility standards for wheelchair users and participants with other accessibility needs. Designated accessible parking and drop-off points are provided near the venue. Guide dogs are permitted on all WUF13 transport services.

For accessible metro information, please visit the Baku Metro website: https://metro.gov.az/en/page/muddealar/elcatan-metro

Note: Guide dogs are not permitted inside the metro system.

Yes. Designated parking spaces and accessible transport drop-off points are available for taxis, buses, and participants accompanied by assistance dogs.

Detailed information about transportation is provided in the “Travel Guide” section. In this section, you can find information about how to get to the event venue, public transport routes, special transfer services, and other related details.

A diverse selection of food options will be available on-site, catering to different dietary preferences and requirements. Menus will include local and international plant-based, meat-based, gluten-free, and halal dishes.

Sustainability is prioritized through the sourcing of locally produced ingredients to reduce transport-related emissions, the implementation of strict food waste management protocols, the use of biodegradable and recyclable packaging materials, and the operation of energy-efficient kitchen equipment to minimise environmental impact.

No. Single-use plastics will not be used. WUF13 is fully committed to sustainable practices, utilising eco-friendly and reusable alternatives throughout all catering operations.

Food and beverage outlets will be conveniently located within the venue, including a restaurant, grab-and-go stations, and coffee shops.

Water will be provided through on-site water dispensers, strategically placed throughout the venue to ensure easy access and proper hydration. 

Participants are encouraged to refrain from bringing their own food due to food safety reasons.

Prices will be determined in accordance with local rates.

All food items will be clearly labelled with allergy icons. 

Participants are encouraged to support sustainability by using reusable bottles, minimising waste, disposing of materials in designated bins according to type (plastic, paper, or general waste), opting for digital materials, and choosing sustainable transport options.

WUF13 promotes sustainability awareness through clear communication across its website and social media channels, on-site guidance, and interactive sessions that highlight responsible practices. Participants and partners are encouraged to actively engage with these efforts and integrate the principles into their event experience and beyond.

The WUF13 website and social media channels actively highlight the WUF13’s sustainability initiatives.

A post-event Sustainability Report will be published by WUF13 Azerbaijan Operations Company, providing detailed information on the event’s carbon footprint, measures taken to reduce and offset emissions, and the outcomes of other sustainability initiatives.

Yes. Participants will receive reusable water bottles, and refill stations will be available throughout the venue to reduce single-use plastics.

In Azerbaijan, the emergency number for the fire brigade is 101, the police 102, and for the ambulance service 103. The general emergency number is 112. 

These numbers can be dialled 24/7 to request urgent assistance.

The WUF13 venue has seven first aid rooms, where doctors and nurses will be available to provide medical care during the event. If you are sick or injured during WUF13, you should immediately visit the nearest first aid room. 

In addition, trained first aiders will be present throughout the venue and can provide immediate assistance on-site. If you are unable to reach a first aid room, you may call for help, and a doctor will be dispatched to provide the necessary care. 

NOTE: If you require further medical treatment or hospitalisation, the services provided at hospitals or clinics will be at your own expense. Visitors are therefore strongly advised to have medical travel insurance, which may help cover these costs.

For medical enquiries or suggestions, please contact the WUF13 Medical Team at hse@wuf13.az.

In the event of an emergency, the General Emergency Alarm will be activated, and all individuals on site must proceed to the nearest assembly point. For localised or partial evacuations (e.g. a specific conference room), instructions will be communicated via the public address system. Fire wardens will be on-site to guide participants safely to the nearest assembly point.

All HSE-related questions or concerns can be reported via the emergency phone number +994 55 201 14 40 or by email at hse@wuf13.az.

There are three main mobile operators providing cellular communication services in Azerbaijan: Azercell, Bakcell, and Nar Mobile. In addition to voice services, these operators offer 4G, 3G, and mobile data services for internet browsing and multimedia access.

If you plan to stay in Azerbaijan for more than 30 days and intend to use your phone with a local SIM, you must register your device within 30 days of entering the country. Azerbaijan has implemented an IMEI registration system to address issues such as illegal imports, phone cloning, device thefts and fake IMEI codes.

• New mobile devices imported for personal use can be registered online or at local post offices
• To be eligible for registration, the device must be declared at customs upon entry; otherwise, registration will not be possible
• Registration of declared devices can be completed online via the my.gov.az portal using SIMA, or in person at post offices
• During registration, the device’s IMEI numbers, ID document details, and a contact phone number must be provided; the applicable fee must be paid to complete the process

Once your application is approved, you will receive a notification confirming the successful registration of your device.

Note: Due to restrictions on payments made with foreign bank cards during online registration, foreign nationals must complete registration at a post office.

You can purchase a mobile SIM card upon arrival at the international airport. Participants may subscribe to a service package offered by mobile operators. A valid passport is required for subscription. Costs vary depending on the operator and the selected package.

To register your phone, it must be declared at the airport upon entry. If it is not declared, additional penalties may apply during registration.

The registration process must be completed within 30 days of entering the country. If the device is not registered within this period, it will be blocked from service. This requirement applies to both local residents and foreign nationals using a local SIM card. The 30-day period is cumulative and does not reset upon departure from Azerbaijan.

Under the Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan on State Duties, the registration fee for mobile devices varies depending on the brand, model, and international market value of the device. Fees range from AZN 15  to AZN 100.    

To register each imported device for personal use, you must provide the device’s IMEI code, brand and model, a copy of the owner’s ID, and the device itself for inspection.

If the market value of the device exceeds USD 800, a 36 per cent customs duty applies to the amount exceeding USD 800.

No. If a foreign national uses international roaming services in Azerbaijan with a SIM card issued by a foreign mobile operator, IMEI registration in Azerbaijan is not required.

You can find all media-related information on Media section of the website.