Azerbaijan is once again in the global spotlight as the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) officially opens in Baku on May 17.

Held at the iconic Baku Olympic Stadium, the major international event will run through May 22 and is being organized in close partnership between the Azerbaijani government and UN-Habitat, The Caspian Post reports via Report.

WUF13 is regarded as one of the world’s leading platforms on urban development, sustainability, and the future of cities. This year’s edition has already made history, with more than 40,000 participants from 182 countries registering for the forum - a record-breaking turnout that highlights Azerbaijan’s growing global profile and the rising international interest in the country.

The forum will bring together government officials, governors, international organizations, investors, experts, and civil society representatives for discussions on sustainable urban planning, climate change, affordable housing, digital transformation, and the development of green cities.

A major focus of the event will be Azerbaijan’s large-scale reconstruction and urban development projects in Karabakh and East Zangazur. The country’s “smart city” and “smart village” initiatives in the liberated territories, along with efforts to transform the region into a green energy zone, will be showcased as a model for modern urbanization and ecological restoration.

WUF13 is also expected to further strengthen Azerbaijan’s reputation as a key host of major international events and a growing player on global cooperation platforms. Hosting the forum in Baku offers the country a powerful opportunity to present its vision for sustainable development and innovative urban planning to the world.

For the first time in the forum’s history, WUF13 will also feature a Leaders’ Summit segment - a move expected to significantly boost the event’s political and strategic importance.

To accommodate the massive international audience, simultaneous interpretation will be provided not only in the six official UN languages - Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish - but also in Azerbaijani and Turkish.