BAKU – The 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) has officially wrapped up in Azerbaijan’s capital, and by all accounts, it was a historic turnout. With over 45,000 participants flying in from 182 countries, the event is being called one of the largest international gatherings ever hosted in the country.
Held under the theme “Housing the World: Safe and Resilient Cities and Communities,” the forum turned Baku into a bustling global hub for policymakers, architects, environmentalists, and urban planners. For nearly a week, the conversations revolved around practical solutions to some of the world’s most pressing issues: affordable housing, climate resilience, smart city tech, and making urban growth more inclusive.
President Ilham Aliyev set the tone in his opening remarks, framing Azerbaijan’s own urban strategy as a working example of how to mix modernization with environmental cleanup and cultural preservation. And Baku itself served as the perfect backdrop – where the ancient Old City and the gleaming Caspian boulevard sit side-by-side with newly developed districts, showing that historical identity and modern city life don’t have to clash.
A major focus of the discussions was also on post-conflict reconstruction. International attendees got a close look at Azerbaijan’s rebuilding efforts in Garabagh and East Zangezur, where restoring infrastructure and preparing for the return of displaced residents remain top national priorities. Delegates also heard the story of the “Black City” – a heavily industrialized former eyesore – being transformed into the modern, green “White City,” which officials held up as a real-world model of sustainable urban renewal.
International observers noted that hosting WUF13 is the latest sign of Azerbaijan punching above its weight in global diplomacy, particularly on sustainability and urban innovation. Throughout the forum, one message came through loud and clear: urban transformation isn’t just about fixing potholes or laying fiber-optic cables. It’s about weaving together economic modernization, environmental stewardship, cultural roots, and regional development into a single, long-term vision.
As the dust settles in Baku, the message from organizers is that Azerbaijan intends to keep building on this momentum, positioning itself as a regional go-to hub for talks on resilient cities and sustainable growth. And for those already wondering where the conversation heads next – mark your calendars. The next World Urban Forum will be hosted by Mexico, continuing the global dialogue on the future of our cities.
