An Azerbaijani delegation led by Anar Guliyev, Chairman of the State Committee on Urban Planning and Architecture and National Coordinator for the Thirteenth Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13), participated in the 3rd Session of the Executive Board of UN-Habitat in Nairobi, Kenya.
The two-day event included a special briefing for delegations and heads of diplomatic missions accredited in Kenya. Attended by over 200 participants, the briefing provided detailed information on WUF13, including its preparation process, key initiatives, planned events, and opportunities for participation and partnership ahead of the Forum, which will be held in Baku from 17–22 May 2026.
During the briefing, Anar Guliyev highlighted the importance of WUF13, themed “Housing the World: Safe and Resilient Cities and Communities,” for strengthening international cooperation in sustainable urban development and showcasing Azerbaijan’s contributions alongside its global partners. He also noted that, for the first time in the Forum’s history, a Leaders’ Summit featuring Heads of State and Government will be organized.
UN-Habitat Executive Director Anacláudia Rossbach praised Azerbaijan’s active role in preparing for the Forum and recognized the country’s exemplary contributions to the global urban agenda. She emphasized that WUF13 will serve as a key milestone for partners to reaffirm commitments to ensuring adequate housing for all.
Following the briefing, a media session was held where Azerbaijan’s delegation addressed questions regarding WUF13 preparations. Anar Guliyev also delivered a presentation on behalf of Azerbaijan and Somalia, the countries elected last month as Co-Chairs of the UN-Habitat Assembly Intergovernmental Working Group on the resolution “Adequate Housing for All” for 2025–2026, outlining plans to advance this initiative during their co-chairmanship.
A formal reception hosted by Azerbaijan for participating delegations and heads of the diplomatic corps was also held. Throughout the session, Anar Guliyev engaged in discussions with heads of delegations from other countries. The WUF13 promotional stand at UN-Habitat headquarters drew significant interest from attendees.
