Jordanian media outlets, including Petra News Agency, the country’s leading government newspapers “al-Rai,” “al-Dustur,” “al-Anbat,” as well as news portals such as “Ammon News,” “Jordan Daily,” “al-Balad,” “Johina News,” “NBNJO,” and “Cleopatra News” have published articles highlighting the upcoming 13th World Urban Forum (WUF13), scheduled to take place in Baku on May 17-22.

“Baku will assume a prominent global role by hosting the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF 13) from May 17 to 22. This major event will bring together policymakers, experts, leaders, and innovators to discuss global urban challenges and focus on addressing the most pressing issues facing cities today,” the articles said.

“The world is witnessing unprecedented urban expansion, with more than half of its population now living in cities under mounting pressures. This rapid growth is leading to the spread of informal settlements and depriving billions of people of adequate housing, while infrastructure faces immense strain. Climate change further exacerbates these crises through floods, droughts, and heatwaves, multiplying the challenges to sustainable development,” the articles mentioned.

“The 13th World Urban Forum will be held in Baku under the theme “Housing for All: Safe and Resilient Cities.” The discussions will focus on expanding affordable housing, strengthening climate resilience, mobilizing financing, and developing innovative urban design tailored to regional specificity.

The World Urban Forum is recognized as the largest UN platform for sustainable urban development. It is not merely a technical conference but a space that brings together diverse actors at multiple levels. Its strength lies in the diversity of participants — from national governments and city administrations to civil society organizations, youth, investors, and architects — reflecting the growing awareness that housing and urban management are global issues tied to social justice, climate, and the economy. The upcoming World Urban Forum in Baku (2026) is expected to mark a turning point in political engagement.

For the first time, the forum will host a Leaders’ Summit, bringing together heads of state and government.

The convening of the 13th World Urban Forum in Baku represents a landmark moment for Azerbaijan and a strategic opportunity to showcase its vision for urban development.

The forum will bring together experts and decision-makers from across the globe, offering the country a platform to highlight its model of balancing historical heritage with modern urbanization. Baku embodies this balance through its rich historical heritage.

Azerbaijan’s reconstruction program, especially in Karabakh and East Zangezur, stands out as one of the country’s most ambitious development initiatives.

The program of the 13th World Urban Forum will feature high-level dialogues, technical sessions, exhibitions, and events showcasing actionable solutions, alongside the preparation of policy reports and the launch of new partnerships to reach concrete, practical steps, the forum emphasizes that without accessible financing and regulatory reforms, the gap between housing supply and demand will continue to widen.

Azerbaijan’s hosting of the 13th World Urban Forum in Baku (May 2026) positions the country not only as an organizer but as an active contributor to shaping a collective urban future,” the report emphasized.

 

AZERTAC

2026, April 15