Baku: Azerbaijan has successfully hosted the 13th Session of the United Nations World Urban Forum (WUF13), solidifying its status as a strategic center for modern urbanization trends. The event, held at the Baku Olympic Stadium from May 17 to 22, was themed 'Housing the world: Safe and resilient cities and communities.'
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the forum stands out not only for its scale but also for the record-breaking number of participants, with over 40,000 attendees from more than 180 countries. This marks the highest participation level in the history of the World Urban Forum. The event also introduced a Leaders' Summit segment, further elevating its historical significance.
A special Organizing Committee in Azerbaijan ensured meticulous preparation and coordination for the forum. The committee's leadership oversaw every aspect, from infrastructure development to logistical arrangements, reflecting international confidence in Azerbaijan's capability to host such significant global events. The operational area, covering 53 hectares around the stadium, was equipped with a fully integrated system for registration, sessions, exhibitions, and media operations, among others.
President Ilham Aliyev has identified modern urban development as a key strategic priority for Azerbaijan's socio-economic policy. The country's innovative approaches and large-scale reconstruction projects in the Karabakh and East Zangezur economic regions were showcased during the forum. These efforts align with Azerbaijan's 'Great Return' program and the introduction of 'smart city' and 'smart village' concepts in liberated territories.
The Baku venue featured a 3.5-hectare 'Urban Expo Zone,' which will become the largest exhibition in WUF history. A total of 217 organizations from around the world participated, with 66 countries represented through national pavilions. The forum also included a 2.5-hectare open-air 'WUF13 Boulevard,' offering leisure and dining experiences that reflect Baku's urban environment.
Transportation logistics were managed through a special 10-hectare zone, integrating bus services, taxis, and participant routing. Additionally, the venue was equipped with state-of-the-art digital infrastructure to ensure uninterrupted connectivity and broadcasting.
The forum underscored Azerbaijan's role in global urban development, presenting its urban planning model and practical experiences in Karabakh and East Zangezur to the international community. Through WUF13, Azerbaijan has reinforced its contribution to building a safe, sustainable, and inclusive future.