Azerbaijan’s growing role as a trusted host of major international forums is not accidental. It reflects a combination of political stability, institutional capacity, and an increasingly visible development model that resonates with global agendas. Just as Azerbaijan successfully hosted COP29 in December 2024, facilitating meaningful dialogue and landmark climate decisions, it is well-positioned to ensure the success of the 13th World Urban Forum (WUF13), which the country will host on May 17–22, 2026, under the theme “Housing for All: Safe and Sustainable Cities and Settlements.” The decision to hold the Forum in Azerbaijan, including the first-ever Summit of Heads of State and Government within WUF, signals growing international confidence in the country’s leadership on sustainable development and urban transformation. Ahead of WUF13, President Ilham Aliyev has signed a decree declaring 2026 the “Year of Urban Planning and Architecture” in Azerbaijan, highlighting the country’s commitment to sustainable urban development. The order aims to preserve Azerbaijan’s historic architectural and urban planning traditions while promoting modern approaches to address emerging challenges in the sector.

Urbanization in Azerbaijan has developed under a combination of economic, political, and social factors. While in many countries urban growth has........

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