Baku Hosts Historic 13th World Urban Forum, Welcoming Record 40,000 Global Participants

Baku, The Gulf Observer: Azerbaijan has officially opened the 13th Session of the United Nations World Urban Forum (WUF13), hosting the prestigious global event at the Baku Olympic Stadium from May 17 to 22. Centered around the theme “Housing the World: Safe and Resilient Cities and Communities,” this year’s forum has made history by drawing over 40,000 participants from more than 180 countries, marking the highest level of participation ever recorded for the event.

The large-scale international gathering represents another major milestone for Azerbaijan, highlighting its growing international stature, modern urban development policies, and its emergence as a premier center for global dialogue, international cooperation, and major cultural and sporting events.

Strategic Governance and Urban Priorities

Officials stated that the international community’s decision to select Azerbaijan as the host nation reflects strong global confidence in the country’s capacity to organize massive events. Under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, urban planning and sustainable development have been designated as key strategic priorities within the nation’s socio-economic agenda.

State policy remains focused on a central pillar: preserving architectural heritage while simultaneously developing modern urban ecosystems. The significance of this sector is further emphasized by Azerbaijan’s official declaration of 2026 as the “Year of Urban Planning and Architecture.”

To ensure seamless execution, Azerbaijani authorities established a special Organizing Committee tasked with overseeing all preparations, infrastructure development, logistics, transportation, security, and international coordination.

Showcasing Post-Conflict Reconstruction

Azerbaijan is leveraging WUF13 as a prominent international platform to showcase its large-scale reconstruction and redevelopment projects in the Karabakh and East Zangezur economic regions.

As part of its “Great Return” programme, the country is presenting its “smart city” and “smart village” initiatives. These developments, alongside green energy projects and ecological restoration efforts, are being highlighted as leading global examples of post-conflict reconstruction and sustainable urbanization.

State-of-the-Art Infrastructure and Venue Operations

The operational footprint at the Baku Olympic Stadium spans approximately 53 hectares, which includes 43 hectares for the main forum venue and 10 hectares for transportation terminals and parking-transfer zones. A fully integrated operations system has been deployed to manage all facets of the event, from registration and technical support to volunteer coordination.

Key Venue Specifications:

• Main Ceremonial Hall: Capable of accommodating up to 6,000 participants simultaneously.
• Daily Programming: Approximately 300 parallel sessions, thematic meetings, UN events, and bilateral discussions scheduled daily.
• Dedicated Media Zone: Spanning two hectares, featuring a modern Media Center that accommodates 600 people, workspace for 400 journalists, television studios, and live broadcast infrastructure.
• The WUF13 Boulevard: A 2.5-hectare open-air space designed to offer cultural, leisure, and dining experiences reflecting modern urban living.

Record-Breaking Urban Expo

A major highlight of the forum is the 3.5-hectare “Urban Expo Zone,” officially recognized as the largest exhibition ever organized in WUF history. The expo features:

• 217 organizations participating from around the globe.
• 66 countries represented through dedicated national pavilions showcasing innovative urban solutions, housing projects, and sustainable initiatives.

Logistics, Transport, and Community Support

To facilitate smooth movement across Baku, authorities have implemented a comprehensive transport management system. The network fully integrates electric buses, taxis, airport transfers, parking systems, and dedicated transportation hubs.

Additionally, a vital contingent of volunteers is driving the event’s daily operations, assisting global attendees with registration, information services, logistics, exhibition coordination, and cultural activities.

Organizers emphasized that the successful hosting of WUF13 firmly demonstrates Azerbaijan’s expanding contributions toward solving global urban challenges and advancing safe, sustainable, and inclusive cities worldwide.