World Urban Forum WUF13 opens in Baku

The 13th session of the World Urban Forum, WUF13, opens today in Azerbaijan. The international forum is being held with the support of the Azerbaijani government in cooperation with the United Nations Human Settlements Programme, UN-Habitat.

The event will take place at the Baku Olympic Stadium and will continue until May 22.

WUF13 will become one of the key international platforms once again drawing global attention to Azerbaijan. More than 40,000 participants from 182 countries have registered for the 13th session of the World Urban Forum — a record in the forum’s history, reflecting strong international interest in the event and Azerbaijan’s growing prestige.

Discussions will focus on sustainable urban development, climate change, digital transformation, affordable housing, and the development of “green cities.” The forum will bring together representatives of governments, international organizations, experts, investors, and civil society.

Special attention will be paid to reconstruction projects in Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur. Azerbaijan will present its “smart city” and “smart village” concepts, as well as initiatives to create a “green energy zone” as a modern model of sustainable development.

WUF13 will also highlight Azerbaijan’s experience in hosting major international events and further strengthen the country’s international image. For the first time in the forum’s history, the program will include a Leaders’ Summit, giving the event additional political and strategic significance.