Geneva: The United Nations, through its Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), and the Republic of Azerbaijan have reached a significant milestone by signing a crucial agreement for the organization of the thirteenth session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13). The agreement was formally signed in Geneva by Anacl¡udia Rossbach, Executive Director of UN-Habitat, and Anar Guliyev, Chairman of the State Committee on Urban Planning and Architecture of Azerbaijan, who also serves as the WUF13 National Coordinator.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the agreement outlines all organizational arrangements necessary for the event, which is scheduled to take place in Baku from 17-22 May 2026 under the theme 'Housing the World: Safe and Resilient Cities and Communities.' Guliyev commended the productive cooperation between UN-Habitat and Azerbaijan, highlighting successful joint urban development projects, including the organization of three National Urban Forums in Karabakh and East Zangazur, as well as events held in Baku in 2023 to mark World Habitat Day.

Guliyev further noted Azerbaijan's active role in shaping the global urban agenda through participation in the Expert Working Group on people-centered smart cities and co-chairing the Intergovernmental Expert Working Group on Adequate Housing. He expressed confidence that the partnership with UN-Habitat will continue to advance sustainable, inclusive, and people-focused urban development.

UN-Habitat Executive Director Anacl¡udia Rossbach expressed her gratitude to Azerbaijan for hosting WUF13, emphasizing the importance of Azerbaijan's leadership and partnership in the preparations. She highlighted the global housing crisis, affecting nearly 3 billion people, including 1.1 billion living in informal settlements, as a key issue for the forum.

The announcement of Baku as the host city for WUF13 was followed by the signing of the host agreement in December 2023, establishing the legal framework for organizing the event and addressing most organizational and planning issues.

The World Urban Forum, established by the United Nations in 2001, serves as the premier global conference on sustainable urbanization, examining the impacts of rapid urbanization on cities, communities, economies, and climate change. The first session was held in Nairobi, Kenya, in 2002.