Registration for WUF13 Volunteers Programme is now open
On 5th December, Baku hosted the official opening of the WUF13 Volunteer Centre in the framework of the International Volunteer Day. The Centre has been established by the WUF13 Azerbaijan Operations Company as part of preparations for the Thirteenth Session of the United Nations World Urban Forum (WUF13), which Azerbaijan will host from 17th May to 22nd May 2026. The Centre, with an area of approximately 600 square meters, will serve as a dedicated platform for the professional training, coordination and capacity-building of the Forum’s volunteer team.
The opening ceremony was attended by Anar Guliyev, Chairman of the State Committee on Urban Planning and Architecture of the Republic of Azerbaijan (SCUPA) and WUF13 National Coordinator; Adil Mammadov, Executive Director of the WUF13 Azerbaijan Operations Company; Anna Soave, Head of Country Programme at UN-Habitat Azerbaijan and Abdinassir Shale Sagar, WUF13 Coordinator at UN-Habitat.
During the event, the officials emphasised that the WUF13 Volunteer Programme will serve as an inclusive and interactive platform, focusing on young people’s initiative, innovative thinking, leadership skills, and opportunities to gain international experience.
“Today’s generation of young people has incredible potential and truly inspires us with their energy. We see how actively and sincerely youth engage in the processes that shape the development of cities and urban spaces: they bring a fresh perspective, help us better understand the needs of modern society, and offer more relevant, practical solutions. Working with young people makes urban planning more dynamic, vibrant and open to innovation.
The WUF13 Volunteer Programme is an opportunity for young people to express themselves, discover new horizons and gain experience that will contribute to the development of our country’s human capital. We believe that participating in WUF13 will become an important and inspiring stage for them - both professionally and personally,” said Anar Guliyev.
Alongside the Centre’s inauguration, the WUF13 Volunteer Programme has been officially launched, inviting prospective volunteers aged 18 and over to apply through the online platform at https://volunteers.wuf13.az/az.
Applicants are required to be fluent in English and at least 18 years old by 1st May 2026 to be eligible for the interview stage. Successful candidates will be invited to join the training programme, scheduled between January and April 2026, which will cover three key areas: general orientation, role-specific preparation and venue-based readiness.
During the Forum, WUF13 volunteers will welcome participants, provide registration and information support, assist in organising various sessions and exhibitions, and contribute to the delivery of cultural programmes. The Centre’s modern learning and working environment will provide volunteers with opportunities to enhance their teamwork, communication, and collaboration skills in a multicultural setting.
For further information about the WUF13 Volunteer Programme, please send request to email volunteers@wuf13.az or contact the call centre at 012 535 26 26.
Organised by UN-Habitat, the World Urban Forum (WUF) is one of the world’s largest international platforms dedicated to sustainable urban development. Scheduled for 17th to 22nd May 2026 under the theme “Housing the world: Safe and resilient cities and communities”, the Forum will bring together representatives from government, academia, business, and civil society for a global dialogue on the future of cities.
