WUF13 Media briefing held on the sidelines of the 13th Global Baku Forum
On 14 March 2026, a media briefing on preparations for the thirteenth session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) was held on the sidelines of the 13th Global Baku Forum. The event provided an overview of the Forum’s thematic priorities, its regional significance and the opportunities it offers for participation.
The event featured keynote remarks by Anacláudia Rossbach, Executive Director of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat); Anar Guliyev, Chairman of the State Committee on Urban Planning and Architecture of the Republic of Azerbaijan and WUF13 National Coordinator; Erfan Ali, Regional Director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia at UN-Habitat; Igor Garafulic, United Nations Resident Coordinator ad interim in Azerbaijan; and María Fernanda Espinosa, President of the 73rd session of the United Nations General Assembly.
Addressing the key themes of WUF13, UN-Habitat Executive Director Anacláudia Rossbach noted that ministers responsible for housing and urban development will gather in Baku during the Forum to review progress made so far and chart the way forward.
“WUF13 will serve as a unique platform bringing together policy dialogues and practical solutions, while placing housing at the centre of efforts to build more inclusive and climate-resilient cities and communities,” Anacláudia Rossbach said.
Anar Guliyev, WUF13 National Coordinator, provided an update on the preparations under way and the progress made in organising the Forum, which will take place in Baku from 17 to 22 May 2026 under the theme “Housing the world: Safe and resilient cities and communities.”
He noted that, in the spirit of bridging heritage with modernity, warm hospitality and the strong organisational capacity for which Azerbaijan is known, WUF13 will offer new opportunities to elevate the profile and impact of the Forum.
“For the first time in the history of the World Urban Forum, a Leaders’ Summit will be held in Baku. Organised at the initiative of the Government of Azerbaijan, the meeting will bring together heads of state and government, as well as other high-level leaders from across the world.
The Summit is intended to define strategic priorities for the future of cities, strengthen international cooperation and contribute to the New Urban Agenda. These initiatives once again demonstrate that housing and urban development are no longer merely technical matters, but issues of global strategic importance that require leadership at the highest level,” the WUF13 National Coordinator said.
It was emphasised during the briefing that WUF13 will provide countries with an important platform to showcase their urban development experience, share innovative approaches and contribute to global dialogue. It was also noted that the Forum will convene governments, cities, international organizations, civil society, academia, and the private sector to explore solutions that expand access to affordable, resilient housing while addressing climate, demographic, and socio-economic pressures.
The event, held in a hybrid format, concluded with a Q&A session during which media representatives had the opportunity to ask questions.