Azerbaijan begins preparations for 13th World Urban Forum with UN-Habitat

Preparations are under way for the 13th World Urban Forum (WUF13), which will be hosted by Azerbaijan in Baku in 2026, in partnership with UN-Habitat, the United Nations agency for sustainable urban development.

Eldar Rasulov, media relations manager for the WUF13 Operational Company, said the forum would mark a milestone as the first World Urban Forum to be held in the Caspian and South Caucasus regions.

About 10,000 international delegates are expected, with total participation estimated at around 30,000 people, including a large number of heads of state and government.

The forum will host 40 main sessions and 350 partner events, with key sessions offering simultaneous translation in eight languages, including sign language.

Preparations for the event began on June 30, 2025, Rasulov said, with work under way on institutional planning, infrastructure, transport, security, communications and operations.

A core organising team of about 300 professionals has been formed, alongside a volunteer programme that has attracted 16,000 applications, from which 2,500 trained volunteers will be selected.

The event will be held at Baku Olympic Stadium, where construction and infrastructure upgrades are under way.

Organisers said the forum will follow sustainable event management standards, including ISO 20121, with conference and exhibition facilities covering a total area of 92,000 square metres.

An Urban Expo, spanning 35,000 square metres, will form a central part of the forum. It will feature participation from countries, cities, municipalities, UN organisations, academic institutions, development banks, civil society groups and private companies.

Organisers said transport and security planning would be key priorities, with 11 transport hubs identified and routes mapped between the airport, hotels, the city centre and the stadium.

Rasulov said Azerbaijan’s experience hosting large international events, including COP29, had strengthened its capacity in logistics, security, transport, volunteer management and media operations, providing a solid foundation for WUF13.

Background: WUF13 Urban Expo

Applications are open for the Urban Expo, part of the 13th World Urban Forum (WUF13), with exhibitors able to apply until 31 March 2026.

The expo will showcase practical solutions to major urban challenges, including housing, access to basic services, climate resilience, digital innovation and inclusive growth. Two new feature spaces will be introduced: a WUF Academy Campus for training and knowledge exchange, and a Startup Pavilion for emerging, technology-driven and climate-smart urban solutions.

Exhibitors will be assessed on thematic relevance, innovation, sustainability, diversity and compliance with guidelines. Pre-built booths start at 9 square metres at $612 per square metre, while space-only bookings begin at 18 square metres at $195 per square metre. All prices are subject to 18% VAT.

Further details are available on the Urban Expo website and in the exhibition guidelines.

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