Diplomatic Corps Briefed on the 13th Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13)

On 17th November, representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited in the Republic of Azerbaijan received key updates about the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13), which Baku will host on 17–22 May 2026 under the theme “Housing the world: Safe and resilient cities and communities.”

Anar Guliyev, Chairman of the State Committee on Urban Planning and Architecture of the Republic of Azerbaijan and WUF13 National Coordinator, Adil Mammadov, Executive Director of the WUF13 Azerbaijan Operations Company and Edlam Yemeru, Director of the External Relations, Strategy, Knowledge and Innovation Department of the UN-Habitat attended the briefing and emphasized the importance of WUF13, highlighting activities and thematic dialogues planned within the framework of the Forum, as well as opportunities for participation and cooperation.

Anacláudia Rossbach, Executive Director of UN-Habitat, delivered her remarks via a video message.

Welcoming participants, WUF13 National Coordinator Anar Guliyev noted that heads of state and government, as well as ministers were invited to attend high-level events during the World Urban Forum. He emphasized: “WUF13 offers a unique opportunity for Azerbaijan to enhance international cooperation in sustainable urban development and showcase the country’s achievements in urbanization and future vision to the world. Azerbaijan has put forward new initiatives for the Forum, including the first-ever Summit in the history of the World Urban Forum, which will bring together heads of state and government. This demonstrates Azerbaijan’s commitment to the global urban agenda and its active leadership in international processes related to urban transformation. We believe that WUF13 will significantly contribute to fostering sustainable, people-focused development in cities.”

UN-Habitat Executive Director Anacláudia Rossbach, in a video message, thanked the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan for hosting this important gathering: “WUF13 will be a critical moment to renew the commitment of all stakeholders to take action to ensure access to adequate housing for all, as a foundation for human dignity, safety and climate action, the roof of SDGs. We will also highlight the progress and mark the midpoint of the New Urban Agenda, a decade after its adoption and the next ten years of its implementation placing housing at the centre.”

Diplomats were briefed that comprehensive preparations were underway in well-coordinated manner across all key operational areas to ensure the Forum meets the highest standards.

Executive Director of the WUF13 Azerbaijan Operational Company Adil Mammadov outlined intensive preparations underway at the Baku Olympic Stadium, a venue for the upcoming World Urban Forum. These preparations include the designation of various functional zones, development of essential infrastructure, and the overall organization of the event to the highest standards. He highlighted that sustainability, safety and accessibility are being fully integrated across all operations throughout the preparation process. He added: “We are aiming to establish in Baku an exceptional international platform that meets the highest organizational standards, is inclusive, and promotes global cooperation.”

At the briefing, Edlam Yemeru, Director of the External Relations, Strategy, Knowledge, and Innovation Department at UN-Habitat, delivered a comprehensive presentation on the Forum’s concept and programme.

The event wrapped up with a live discussion and Q&A session, addressing issues of interest to both in-person and online participants.

The interactive briefing was joined by over 100 participants, including heads of diplomatic missions operating in Azerbaijan and abroad, as well as members of Azerbaijan’s embassies in other countries.