Urban Expo Inaugurated at 13th World Urban Forum in Baku
Baku, The Gulf Observer: The Urban Expo exhibition was officially inaugurated on the sidelines of the 13th session of the World Urban Forum 13 in Baku, bringing together hundreds of organizations and stakeholders from around the world to promote sustainable urban development and housing solutions.
The opening ceremony was attended by Anar Guliyev, Chairman of the State Committee for Urban Planning and Architecture and National Coordinator of WUF13, alongside Anacláudia Rossbach. The two officials jointly performed the ribbon-cutting ceremony to formally launch the exhibition.
Spread across an area of 3.5 hectares, the “Urban Expo” brings together more than 217 organizations representing 66 countries. The exhibition serves as a global platform for governments, civil society organizations, academic institutions, international organizations and private sector entities to exchange ideas, unveil initiatives and strengthen partnerships under the WUF13 theme, “Housing for All: Safe and Sustainable Cities and Communities.”
The exhibition highlights practical and innovative solutions to the global housing crisis, focusing on areas such as affordable housing, climate resilience, digital innovation, accessibility and inclusive urban planning. The displays include national pavilions, community-led initiatives and startup projects aimed at fostering sustainable urban transformation.
A major attraction of the event is the “Business and Innovation Hub,” which features participation from 45 companies and 14 startups showcasing urban development technologies and sustainable solutions.
The Urban Expo also includes the 2.5-hectare WUF13 Boulevard, an open-air networking and engagement space featuring dedicated areas such as the “City Library,” “City Cinema” and the “WUF Academy,” designed to encourage dialogue, learning and collaboration among participants.
