WUF13 awareness session held for local NGOs
On 12 February 2026, an awareness session focusing on urban development, sustainability principles and the thirteenth session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) was held for representatives of civil society in Azerbaijan.
The session, organised by the WUF13 Azerbaijan Operations Company in partnership with the Agency for State Support to Non-Governmental Organisations of the Republic of Azerbaijan, was attended by close to 100 NGO representatives.
Opening the event, Gulshan Rzayeva, Deputy National Coordinator of WUF13, Anna Soave, Head of the UN-Habitat’s Country Office in Azerbaijan, and Aygun Aliyeva, Chair of the Supervisory Board of the Agency for State Support to Non-Governmental Organisations, described WUF13 as a landmark event worldwide and stressed the importance of awareness-raising sessions in the lead-up to the Forum. Speakers also noted that Baku’s role as host presents a significant opportunity to highlight urban development processes and innovative planning approaches being implemented across Azerbaijan, especially in Karabakh and East Zangezur regions.
Gulshan Rzayeva stated that the theme of the Forum, “Housing the world: safe and resilient cities and communities”, covers the full spectrum of issues related to sustainable urban development, addressing not only the provision of housing infrastructure but also the wider elements that shape social well-being of people. Describing civil society as one of the World Urban Forum’s principal stakeholder groups, Gulshan Rzayeva called on local NGOs to take an active part both in Baku Urban Week, scheduled for 11–15 May this year, and in WUF13 itself.
Anna Soave provided an overview of the Azerbaijan Urban Campaign, implemented by UN-Habitat, noting that in the lead-up to WUF13 this campaign invites stakeholders to carry out their projects, debates, publications and community activities under the umbrella of AUC2026. She also encouraged organisations to host workshops, art exhibitions, public dialogues, film programmes and other initiatives during Baku Urban Week.
Aygun Aliyeva noted that, much like COP29, WUF13 has attracted strong interest from Azerbaijani NGOs. She added that a dedicated space will be allocated within the WUF13 Pavilion to enable local NGOs to host their own events. She also noted that, according to available information, the General Assembly of the Global South NGO Platform, established in 2025 with the participation of NGOs from 116 countries, is scheduled to take place as part of Baku Urban Week, with the Agency acting as the key partner.
Ramil Jahangirov, Head of the Department for Project Management in the Liberated Territories at the State Committee for Urban Planning and Architecture of the Republic of Azerbaijan, delivered a detailed presentation on the reconstruction and restoration efforts under way in Karabakh. He noted that these projects are guided by the principles of human-centred planning, climate resilience, resource efficiency and inclusivity. He further stated that construction and restoration efforts in areas such as Shusha, Aghdam, Fuzuli, Kalbajar and Zangilan are being implemented in line with the “15-minute city” concept, which promotes accessibility, social inclusion, safety and equal access to services.
As part of the session, participants were given a presentation on the WUF13 programme and its latest developments. The session explored global challenges in urban development and sustainability, factors influencing cities’ carbon footprints, and examples of leading international practice.
The awareness session also featured presentations on climate-resilient urban systems, housing, the importance of urban mobility, and the development of accessible and inclusive cities for all citizens. During the discussions, participants shared perspectives on the role of civil society in driving sustainable urban development and the contribution it can make to this agenda.