Baku, May 17, AZERTAC

In the modern world, sustainable development, ecological balance, and innovative governance are rooted in well-planned urban development policies. Today, independent Azerbaijan has become not only a hub for international dialogue platforms and major global sports and cultural events, but also a strategic center where modern urbanization trends are shaped. In this context, Baku’s hosting of the 13th Session of the United Nations World Urban Forum (WUF13) is another vivid manifestation of the country’s growing international prestige.

WUF13, which will be held at the Baku Olympic Stadium from May 17 to 22 under the theme “Housing the world: Safe and resilient cities and communities,” stands out both in scale and in the number of participants.

Extensive preparation and flawless coordination

To ensure the smooth, secure, and high-level organization of such a large-scale global event, a special Organizing Committee was established in Azerbaijan. From the preparation phase to infrastructure development and logistical coordination, every aspect of the forum has remained under close supervision by the committee’s leadership. The synchronized management of operations and effective coordination between government institutions and international partners are clear results of this oversight. The decision to hold WUF13 in Azerbaijan reflects the international community’s strong confidence in the country’s ability to organize major global events and recognition of Azerbaijan’s urban development model.

Modern urban development has been identified by President Ilham Aliyev as one of the key strategic priorities of Azerbaijan’s socio-economic policy. Preserving architectural traditions while building ecosystems that meet the challenges of modern urbanization constitutes a central direction of state policy. The declaration of 2026 as the “Year of Urban Planning and Architecture” in Azerbaijan further demonstrates the high level of attention devoted to this field.

As a country that consistently keeps global urban development processes in focus, Azerbaijan not only develops theoretical concepts, but also introduces innovative approaches and successfully implements them in practice. One of the clearest examples is the large-scale reconstruction and development underway in the Karabakh and East Zangezur economic regions, regarded globally as a unique project in terms of scale, scope, and implementation speed. In this regard, WUF13 in Baku serves as an invaluable global platform for presenting Azerbaijan’s conceptual urban planning model and the unique practical experience being implemented in the liberated territories.

Single operations system across a 53-hectare venue

The operational area covering the Baku Olympic Stadium and its surroundings spans a total of 53 hectares. The forum’s logistical and infrastructure arrangements have been planned down to the finest detail in line with the highest international standards.

Of the total area, 43 hectares have been allocated to the main event venue, while 10 hectares are designated for transportation terminals and parking-transfer zones.

A fully integrated operational system has been established encompassing registration, sessions, exhibitions, media operations, transportation, technical support, volunteer coordination, and venue services.

Special areas have been created for high-level guests, including facilities for receptions, bilateral meetings, lounges, and catering services for state and government representatives.

The main hall, where the opening and closing ceremonies will take place, can accommodate up to 6,000 participants simultaneously.

The core session zone, where key discussions and parallel events are held, covers 3.55 hectares. Equipped with conference halls, thematic session rooms, UN event spaces, and areas for bilateral meetings, the venue allows multiple official and business events to take place simultaneously. Around 300 parallel sessions, meetings, and discussions are expected to be held daily during the forum.

More than 35 catering outlets have been established across the venue and open-air areas to ensure convenient access to services for participants.

A dedicated two-hectare media zone includes the Media Center, Roundtable Hall, Special Session Hall, and Dialogue Halls. The modern Media Center, with a total capacity of 600 people, provides workspace for 400 journalists simultaneously and includes live broadcast facilities, interview rooms, a press conference hall, TV studios, and media lounge areas.

To allow participants to enjoy Baku’s atmosphere, a 2.5-hectare open-air “WUF13 Boulevard” has also been created. The space is designed to provide visitors with opportunities for leisure, dining, and experiencing the atmosphere of a real urban environment.

Volunteers are playing a major role throughout WUF13 by welcoming participants, providing registration and information support, assisting with organizational work during sessions and exhibitions, and contributing to cultural programs. Their efforts support one of the world’s leading platforms dedicated to the future of sustainable cities.

One of the forum’s most visually striking sections is the 3.5-hectare “Urban Expo Zone.” Opening tomorrow, the Urban Expo will become the largest exhibition in WUF history. It will feature national pavilions, international organizations, government institutions, local and regional authorities, private sector representatives, NGOs, foundations, and educational and research institutions showcasing their projects. A total of 217 organizations from around the world will participate, while 66 countries will be represented through national pavilions. The exhibition will effectively transform the Baku Olympic Stadium into a global showcase for housing solutions, innovation, and cooperation.

A special 10-hectare transportation management zone has been fully integrated into the operational area. Bus services, taxis, parking systems, and participant routing are managed with high precision. Transportation hubs across the city, eco-friendly electric buses, taxi services, and airport transfers are all coordinated under a unified transport plan.

The registration area can serve up to 70 people simultaneously and up to 1,000 people per hour. Separate accreditation and registration desks have been established for persons with disabilities. These operations are managed by Azerbaijan’s professional operations team.

To ensure uninterrupted internet connectivity, broadcasting, and digital services, the venue is equipped with primary and backup data centers, large-scale fiber-optic infrastructure, wireless network systems, and a continuously operating digital command center.

WUF13: Record participation and historic significance and global success of Baku

The international event hosted by Baku is already entering WUF history with record-breaking figures. More than 40,000 participants from over 180 countries have registered for the forum, marking the highest participation level in the event’s history.

WUF13 is also historically significant as the first World Urban Forum to include a Leaders’ Summit segment in its official program.

The event is also showcasing Azerbaijan’s unprecedented reconstruction and modern urban development model implemented in Karabakh and East Zangezur under the “Great Return” program. The “smart city” and “smart village” concepts introduced in the liberated territories, along with efforts to transform the region into a green energy zone, are being presented to the international community as advanced and unique examples of modern urbanization, ecological restoration, and post-conflict reconstruction.

Overall, the successful hosting of WUF13 in Baku once again demonstrates Azerbaijan’s role as a leading force in addressing global challenges and highlights the country’s contribution to building a safe, sustainable, and inclusive future.