BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 7. A meeting of the
Organizing Committee established for the preparation and hosting of
the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) was held on May
7, Trend reports.
Opening the meeting, the Head of the Presidential Administration
of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Chairman of the Organizing
Committee Samir Nuriyev noted that the start of WUF13 is
approaching. He highlighted that from May 17 to 22, Baku will host
one of the world's most prestigious international platforms for
urban planning and sustainable development issues.
The Chairman emphasized that under the leadership of President
Ilham Aliyev, hosting global events has become a tradition for
Azerbaijan. Samir Nuriyev underscored that WUF13 is of paramount
importance for showcasing Azerbaijan’s modern urban planning
vision, its contributions to the sustainable development agenda,
and the large-scale restoration and reconstruction model put in
place in the liberated territories.
He noted that the declaration of 2026 as the "Year of Urban
Planning and Architecture" in Azerbaijan further elevates the
significance of WUF13.
Samir Nuriyev reported that over 28,000 individuals from 177
countries have registered to participate in the Forum to date, with
approximately half being foreign delegates — a clear indicator of
the high international interest in WUF13.
The Chairman specifically highlighted Azerbaijan’s initiative of
Leaders' Statements introduced for the first time in WUF history.
This political and substantive innovation will elevate urban
planning and sustainable settlement issues to the level of
high-level global discussion.
He underlined the importance of paying special attention to
preparations for the Leaders' Statements, as well as the WUF13
Ministerial Meeting to be held under Azerbaijan’s chairmanship, the
Special Session organized by Azerbaijan, events planned for the
Azerbaijan Pavilion, and presentations detailing the restoration
and reconstruction projects in the liberated territories.
The meeting featured reports delivered by members of the
Organizing Committee regarding the overall preparation process,
including substantive planning, communication, protocol,
transportation, and organizational and logistics tasks.
In closing, the Chairman expressed his confidence that, in
accordance with the tasks set by the President of Azerbaijan, WUF13
will be another successful example of the country's positive track
record in hosting international events. Samir Nuriyev issued final
instructions to relevant agencies to resolve remaining issues in an
operational and coordinated manner, urging the intensification and
completion of all preparatory work.
