World Urban Forum 13 Opens in Baku with Global Leaders in Attendance

Jerusalem, 18 May, 2026 (TPS-IL) -- The opening ceremony of the 13th Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) was held in Baku on Monday, attended by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and the First Lady.

Organized by the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), the forum serves as a vital platform for discussing issues of global significance, including urban planning, sustainable development, and inclusive living environments.

Aliyev and Executive Director of UN-Habitat Anacláudia Rossbach welcomed the heads of state and government, as well as the heads of delegations participating in the session.

“In many parts of Azerbaijan, the urban development goes very rapidly, and definitely this important gathering and the expertise of our friends from the United Nations and the numerous guests who visit us will help all of us to learn more, to learn from each other, to learn from positive experiences, and also to talk about our mistakes,” Aliyev said.

A video clip prepared by UN-Habitat dedicated to the forum’s opening was screened, and a cultural program was presented.

Subsequently, video messages from UN Secretary-General António Guterres and President of the UN General Assembly Annalena Baerbock addressed to the event participants were screened, while Nga Kor Ming, President of the UN-Habitat Assembly, and Anacláudia Rossbach, Executive Director of UN-Habitat, delivered their speeches.

The forum continues through May 22.