A meeting of the Organizing Committee established for the preparation and hosting of the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) was held on May 7.

Opening the meeting, the Head of the Presidential Administration of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Chairman of the Organizing Committee Samir Nuriyev noted that the start of WUF13 is approaching. He highlighted that from May 17 to 22, Baku will host one of the world's most prestigious international platforms for urban planning and sustainable development issues.

The Chairman emphasized that under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, hosting global events has become a tradition for Azerbaijan. Samir Nuriyev underscored that WUF13 is of paramount importance for showcasing Azerbaijan’s modern urban planning vision, its contributions to the sustainable development agenda, and the large-scale restoration and reconstruction model put in place in the liberated territories.

He noted that the declaration of 2026 as the "Year of Urban Planning and Architecture" in Azerbaijan further elevates the significance of WUF13.

Samir Nuriyev reported that over 28,000 individuals from 177 countries have registered to participate in the Forum to date, with approximately half being foreign delegates — a clear indicator of the high international interest in WUF13.

The Chairman specifically highlighted Azerbaijan’s initiative of Leaders' Statements introduced for the first time in WUF history. This political and substantive innovation will elevate urban planning and sustainable settlement issues to the level of high-level global discussion.

He underlined the importance of paying special attention to preparations for the Leaders' Statements, as well as the WUF13 Ministerial Meeting to be held under Azerbaijan’s chairmanship, the Special Session organized by Azerbaijan, events planned for the Azerbaijan Pavilion, and presentations detailing the restoration and reconstruction projects in the liberated territories.

The meeting featured reports delivered by members of the Organizing Committee regarding the overall preparation process, including substantive planning, communication, protocol, transportation, and organizational and logistics tasks.

In closing, the Chairman expressed his confidence that, in accordance with the tasks set by the President of Azerbaijan, WUF13 will be another successful example of the country's positive track record in hosting international events. Samir Nuriyev issued final instructions to relevant agencies to resolve remaining issues in an operational and coordinated manner, urging the intensification and completion of all preparatory work.