Baku: On 17 March, the WUF13 - Awareness Session for the Private Sector was held at the Baku SME House as part of a collaboration between the WUF13 Azerbaijan Operations Company, the Small and Medium Business Development Agency (KOBIA), and the Export and Investment Promotion Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan, AZPROMO. About 100 entrepreneurs from sectors including industry, green energy, construction, waste management, transport, ICT, and finance attended the event, organized to prepare for the thirteenth session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13), scheduled for 17 to 22 May 2026 in Baku.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the session aimed to provide private sector representatives with insights into WUF13 and showcase the opportunities the international platform presents for business. Remarks were delivered by Adil Mammadov, Executive Director of the WUF13 Azerbaijan Operations Company; Orkhan Mammadov, Chairman of the Management Board of KOBIA; Sevil Yahyayeva, Adviser to the Executive Director of AZPROMO; and Anna Soave, Head of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) in Azerbaijan.
Speakers highlighted priorities such as sustainable and innovative urban development solutions, the green economy, and public-private cooperation. Entrepreneurs and start-ups are increasingly contributing to urban development globally, with smart city technologies and innovative solutions being crucial to creating sustainable urban environments.
Strengthening partnerships between public and private sectors is deemed vital for successful urban development project delivery. WUF13, as a global platform for dialogue and cooperation on urban development, offers significant opportunities to exchange international experiences, forge new partnerships, and expand collaboration avenues. The forum is also expected to provide valuable opportunities for the private sector.
Participants received a detailed overview of the opportunities available at WUF13, including the process for participating in the Urban Expo exhibition. Applications for the Urban Expo are available online until 31 March 2026. A promotional video on WUF13 was screened during the event, followed by a presentation from a representative of the WUF13 Azerbaijan Operations Company.