Baku ( WNAM MONITORING): A hybrid-format briefing session was held for representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited in Azerbaijan in preparation for the 13th session of the United Nations (UN) World Urban Forum (WUF13), which Baku will host in 2026.
The forum, themed “Housing the world: Safe and resilient cities and communities,” is scheduled for May 17–22, 2026.
Key remarks during the briefing were delivered by Anar Guliyev, Chairman of the State Committee for Urban Planning and Architecture and National Coordinator of WUF13; Adil Mammadov, Executive Director of the WUF13 Azerbaijan Operations Company; and Edlam Yemeru, Director of the External Relations, Strategy, Knowledge and Innovation Division at UN-Habitat. The event also featured a video message from Anacláudia Rossbach, Executive Director of UN-Habitat.
The session aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of WUF13, highlighting the forum’s objectives, preparatory activities, planned events, thematic discussions, and opportunities for engagement and cooperation.
In his remarks, National Coordinator Anar Guliyev noted that the forum will include a Leaders’ Summit, bringing together heads of state and government to discuss the future of cities. He stressed that WUF13 offers a unique platform for Azerbaijan to strengthen international cooperation on sustainable urban development, demonstrate its achievements in the field of urbanization, and present its long-term vision.
Diplomats were informed that continuous and coordinated preparations are underway across all key operational areas to ensure the high-level organization of the forum.
During the session, Edlam Yemeru delivered a detailed presentation on the concept and program of WUF13.
The briefing continued with a Q&A segment.
The hybrid-format event brought together nearly 100 diplomats representing foreign missions accredited in Azerbaijan.
