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.
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.
Russian drone and missile attacks on Kyiv early on Friday (9 January) killed at least 4 people, injured at least 19, and caused significant damage to ...
Georgia is set to impose a transit fee on the second shipment of petroleum products from Azerbaijan to Armenia, according to Armenian media quoting a ...
French President Emmanuel Macron has warned that the U.S. is “gradually turning away” from some of its allies and “breaking free from internatio...
Iran is now facing a near‑total internet blackout as anti-government protests sweep the country. Major cities including Tehran have seen connectivit...
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 9th of January, covering the latest developments you need to k...
Snow and ice stalled travellers in northwest Europe on Wednesday, forcing around a thousand to spend the night in Amsterdam's Schiphol airport but delighting others who set out to explore a snow-blanketed Paris on sledges and skis.
Two people have been killed after a private helicopter crashed at a recreation centre in Russia’s Perm region, Russian authorities and local media have said.
U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that Iran could face a strong response from the United States if its authorities kill protesters amid ongoing unrest.
Snow and ice caused travel chaos in northwest Europe on Wednesday, while others were delighted by the snow-covered streets of Paris, venturing out on sledges and skis.
Iran is now facing a near‑total internet blackout as anti-government protests sweep the country. Major cities including Tehran have seen connectivity drop sharply, leaving millions of residents isolated from online communication.
Georgia is set to impose a transit fee on the second shipment of petroleum products from Azerbaijan to Armenia, according to Armenian media quoting a statement from Karen Ayiryan, Director of Mega Trade on Thursday (8 January).
Overhauling Armenia's economic structure and strengthening state institutions is a main focus as the Armenian government adopts a 42-page Doctrine of Economic and Institutional Transformation on Thursday (8 January), Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced.
The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) and Shin Bet say they carried out targeted strikes on Hamas operatives and infrastructure in the Gaza Strip on Thursday (8 January) after detecting a failed rocket launch from the Gaza City area.
Iran does not seek war with Israel or the United States but is prepared to respond if attacked, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Thursday (8 January ) as economic protests sweep the country and Tehran's crackdown reportedly intensifies.
Syrian President Ahmad al‑Sharaa held separate telephone discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Friday (9 January), focusing on Syria’s internal security situation, reconstruction efforts and broader regional developments.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment