Azerbaijan, WUF13 and its strategic significance
Baku, May 16, AZERTAC
The Government of Azerbaijan is set to host the 13th World Urban Forum (WUF13) from May 16-22 in Baku. Centered on the holistic and timely theme, “Housing the World: Safe and Resilient Cities and Communities,” the forum vividly reflects the strategic importance, scope, and transformative potential of sustainable urbanization touching on the economy, society, governance, environment, and humanity at large.
As the premier global conference on sustainable urbanization, WUF13 carries profound socio-economic significance for the host nation. Its impact will be felt across the real estate market, construction materials sector, smart and sustainable urban development, and crucially the advancement of green housing solutions. The forum thus promises multiplier socio-economic dividends for Azerbaijan, the South Caucasus, and the world.
Convened by UN-Habitat, WUF13 will bring together a broad spectrum of urban stakeholders to explore solutions to the mounting global housing crisis and to position housing as the foundation for safe, resilient cities and communities. It will also further strengthen Azerbaijan’s soft image as a reliable partner for economic globalization, international cooperation, and a hub for smart living.
Optimistically, the forum will serve as an instrumental platform to address critical issues such as homelessness, informal settlements, and inadequate housing, which together affect nearly 3 billion people worldwide.
According to media reports, WUF13 will feature technical sessions, high-level dialogues, and exhibitions focused on climate adaptation, inclusive governance, and sustainable urban planning marking a giant step forward for sustainable urbanization in Azerbaijan and beyond.
With nearly 3 billion people lacking adequate housing and over 1.1 billion living in informal settlements, WUF13 confronts one of the most pressing humanitarian and development challenges of our time. It provides a solutions-oriented environment where policymakers, investors, and urban planners converge to shape investment frameworks and delivery models for safe, affordable housing.
Azerbaijan will undoubtedly use the forum to showcase its rapid urban modernization and its smart city and smart village development initiatives, which are central to the country’s national vision. The event is also expected to attract considerable interest from international companies, investors, and entrepreneurs seeking opportunities in the host country.
In clear alignment with these strategic priorities, Azerbaijan has officially declared 2026 the “Year of Urban Planning and Architecture.” WUF13 thus acts as a catalyst for embedding global principles of sustainability, accessibility, and people-centered design into domestic urban practice.
Moreover, WUF13 is poised to play a vital role in shaping international policy. Taking place at the midpoint of the UN’s New Urban Agenda, its primary outcome the “Baku Call to Action” will directly inform the UN Secretary-General’s report on the implementation of global urban goals.
This visionary step by President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev aligns seamlessly with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and highlights the nation’s efforts to integrate contemporary housing and climate resilience with its rich historical and architectural heritage. According to the presidential order, the aim is to preserve Azerbaijan’s centuries-old traditions while adopting contemporary approaches that respond to current social, environmental, and spatial challenges. The declaration reinforces Azerbaijan’s growing engagement in international urban development agendas, including the New Urban Agenda and SDG 11 on sustainable cities and communities.
The World Urban Forum was established in 2001 by the United Nations to examine one of the most urgent issues facing the world: rapid urbanization and its far-reaching impact on communities, cities, economies, climate change, and policy. The first WUF was held in Nairobi, Kenya, in 2002 and has since convened in cities around the globe. WUF13, co-organized by the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan, is expected to draw thousands of participants, including representatives of national, regional, and local governments, academics, business leaders, community organizers, urban planners, and civil society.
According to the UN resolution adopted in 2001, the Forum held biennially in a different city and recognized as the world’s most authoritative and large-scale gathering on urbanization serves as the largest global platform for examining rapid urbanization and its effects on urban development.
In summary, the writer applauds the visionary leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, who has successfully transformed Azerbaijan’s macro-economy, elevated its soft image, strengthened international relations, and given new meaning to head-of-state diplomacy.
The active participation of both Azerbaijani and foreign stakeholders’ government officials, NGOs, specialists, experts, and private sector representatives will create invaluable opportunities to exchange ideas and share new knowledge and experience. WUF13 will thus be a significant value addition to the national economy and a boost to the country’s geo-economic standing.
Ultimately, the writer believes that hosting WUF13 in Baku stands as another clear testament to Azerbaijan’s high international standing, vividly reflecting the strategic value of ongoing structural reforms in urban planning, the large-scale projects successfully being implemented across the country, and its meaningful contribution to the global urban agenda.
Dr Mehmood Ul Hassan Khan
President, The Center for Knowledge and Public Policy
Regional Expert, China, CPEC, BRI, Azerbaijan & World Affairs
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