Baku, May 18, AZERTAC

The 13th Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) taking place in Baku continues to attract broad international media attention.

An article published by The Europe Today under the headline “Azerbaijan showcases global urban development vision with record-breaking WUF13 event in Baku” highlights the significance of the forum hosted by the Azerbaijani capital. The publication notes that the large-scale international gathering marks another important milestone for Azerbaijan, which is increasingly becoming a center for global dialogue, international cooperation, and major cultural and sporting events.

“To ensure the successful organization of WUF13, the Azerbaijani authorities established a special Organizing Committee responsible for overseeing preparations, infrastructure development, logistics, transportation, security, and coordination with international partners. Officials stated that the decision to hold the forum in Azerbaijan reflects strong international confidence in the country’s ability to host major global events and recognition of its modern urban development policies,” the article states.

It also notes that urban development and sustainable growth have been identified by President Ilham Aliyev as key strategic priorities of Azerbaijan’s socio-economic agenda. Authorities emphasized that preserving architectural heritage while developing modern urban ecosystems remains a central pillar of state policy. Azerbaijan’s declaration of 2026 as the “Year of Urban Planning and Architecture” further underscores the importance attached to the sector.

The publication writes: “One of the forum’s most notable venues is the 3.5-hectare Urban Expo Zone, the largest exhibition ever organized in WUF history. The exhibition features 217 organizations from around the world, while 66 countries are represented through national pavilions showcasing innovative urban solutions, housing projects, and sustainable development initiatives.

“To enhance the visitor experience, organizers have also created a 2.5-hectare open-air ‘WUF13 Boulevard,’ designed to provide participants with cultural, recreational, and dining experiences reflecting the atmosphere of modern urban life. Volunteers play a central role throughout the event, assisting participants with registration, information services, logistics, exhibition coordination, and cultural activities.”

The article concludes by emphasizing that the successful hosting of WUF13 demonstrates Azerbaijan’s growing contribution to addressing global urban challenges and promoting safe, sustainable, and inclusive cities worldwide.

China’s influential China Daily published an article titled “Shanghai Award presented at the 13th World Urban Forum in Azerbaijan,” noting that the Global Award for Sustainable Development in Cities, or the Shanghai Award, is being presented through a series of events and exhibitions at WUF13 in Baku, highlighting global achievements, innovative practices, and collaborative visions for sustainable urban development. The award aims to strengthen exchanges and multilateral cooperation among cities while promoting concrete action toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and implementing the New Urban Agenda.

Pakistan’s DND media outlet also wrote about the relevance and significance of WUF13 at both global and regional levels. It noted that modern urban planning 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 respond to the challenges of modern urbanization remains a core direction of state policy. The declaration of 2026 as the “Year of Urban Planning and Architecture” in Azerbaijan reflects the high level of attention devoted to this field.

The article further stressed: “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 Garabagh 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 implemented in the liberated territories.

“The operational area encompassing the Baku Olympic Stadium and its surroundings covers a total of 53 hectares. The forum’s logistics and infrastructure arrangements have been planned down to the finest detail in accordance with the highest international standards. Of the total area, 43 hectares are allocated to the main event venue, while 10 hectares are designated for transportation terminals and parking-transfer zones.”

Publications including Nsuzivo, B92, NewsBalkans, and Politika, as well as RTK and NISTV television channels, provided detailed coverage of the Serbian president’s participation in WUF13 and his meeting with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. The reports noted that the World Urban Forum hosted by Baku is of particular importance for Serbia and other Balkan countries and emphasized that the event has been organized at the highest level.

Materials published by Uzbekistan’s official UZA agency and the Daryo outlet extensively covered the participation of Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in WUF13 and his meeting with President Ilham Aliyev. They also noted that Azerbaijan views hosting WUF13 as an opportunity to strengthen the country’s position on the global agenda of sustainable development and urban planning.

“Baku is an ideal venue for WUF13 in terms of modern urbanization opportunities: rapid modernization and innovation are successfully combined here with cultural continuity while preserving historical heritage,” the publications quoted Thomas Kovari, founding partner of the Swiss architecture and urban planning firm SA Partners, as saying.

The reports added that what makes Azerbaijan particularly attractive is the wealth of experience it can share. “For example, one of the world’s most ambitious reconstruction projects is underway in the Karabakh region, combining sustainability, affordable housing, and smart city principles in real practice,” they noted.

Articles published by Georgia’s ipress and interpressnews outlets reported on Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze’s participation in WUF13 and his meeting with President Ilham Aliyev. The reports also emphasized that discussions in Baku are important for exchanging urban development experience and enhancing cooperation in the South Caucasus region.

A report published on the Euronews website under the headline “Iran calls for reconstruction support at urbanization forum in Baku” stated that Iran’s deputy housing minister appealed for international support to rebuild 150,000 homes damaged by war during remarks delivered at the World Urban Forum in Baku. The Iranian official told delegates that tens of thousands of housing units in dozens of cities and towns had been damaged or destroyed since February.

An article published by Moldova’s noi.md portal noted that WUF13 in Baku offers Moldovan representatives a valuable opportunity to exchange experience in the field of urbanization. The report emphasized that Azerbaijan has organized the prestigious forum at the highest level.

Articles published by Somalia’s YallaAfrica and the Shabelle media network note that Somalia’s Minister of Public Works, Reconstruction and Housing, Ayub Ismail Yusuf, who heads the country’s delegation, stated that the Somali government is implementing an integrated strategy combining housing, land governance, climate adaptation, and local economic development as part of efforts to strengthen stability and sustainable growth. The reports also emphasize the significance of the event held in Baku for the global community, including African countries.

Angola’s Jornal de Angola reported that the country’s Minister of Public Works, Urbanism and Housing, Carlos Alberto Gregório dos Santos, described the creation of sustainable infrastructure in areas such as water supply, sanitation, mobility, and environmental protection as a key factor for effective urbanization management during WUF13. He praised the high-level organization of the forum and noted that the experience gained from the event would also be beneficial for African countries.

Bulgaria’s BTA news agency published detailed information about the participation of Bulgarian President Iliana Iotova in WUF13 and her meeting with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. Citing AZERTAC, the agency noted that Iotova described the holding of the 13th Session of the World Urban Forum in Azerbaijan as a major event at a time when the world is facing wars and conflicts. She emphasized that Bulgaria is represented not only at the level of the head of state, but also by leaders of more than 10 municipalities, including the mayor of Veliko Tarnovo, a sister city of Shusha.

The Vestnik Kavkaza portal reported on the press conference held ahead of WUF13. It noted that Executive Director of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), Anacláudia Rossbach, stressed the importance of the forum, stating that the global housing crisis requires coordinated and rapid international action. She emphasized that the issue reflects structural weaknesses in urban financing and governance and represents a worldwide challenge.

The Armenian website World News published an article titled “WUF13 is a vivid manifestation of Azerbaijan’s growing international prestige,” noting that in the modern world, sustainable development, ecological balance, and innovative governance are based on well-planned urban policies. The article states that independent Azerbaijan has become not only a center for international dialogue platforms and major global sporting and cultural events, but also a strategic hub where modern urbanization trends are taking shape. In this context, Baku’s hosting of the 13th Session of the United Nations World Urban Forum is described as another vivid manifestation of the country’s growing international influence.

The GBJ Journal publication featured expert opinions on the significance of WUF13, as well as remarks by UN-Habitat Executive Director Anacláudia Rossbach. The article also highlighted Azerbaijan’s achievements in the field of urban development.

An article published by Syria’s official SANA news agency under the headline “Azerbaijan becomes a platform for exchange of experience and cooperation in urban development” noted that the discussions and exchange of experience taking place in Baku are important for organizing reconstruction and recovery efforts in post-war countries, including Syria.

An article published by Swaziland News reported on the participation of a delegation led by King Mswati III of Eswatini in the 13th Session of the United Nations World Urban Forum. It noted that during the King’s meeting with President Ilham Aliyev, it was stated that representatives from more than 180 countries were participating in the event.

Media outlets including The Gambia’s The Point, South Africa’s Channel Africa and Central News, and Brazil’s El Termometro also published detailed reports on the 13th Session of the United Nations World Urban Forum held in Baku.