The United Nations (UN) World Urban Forum (WUF) is one of the most important global platforms for urban planning, sustainable development, and urban policy. Organized by the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), the Forum serves as a space for international dialogue where pressing issues such as the future of cities, inclusive development, climate change adaptation, and social justice are discussed.
Hosting the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Azerbaijan is seen as an indicator of the country's growing role in international urban policy and global cooperation processes. Hosting the forum is not only an organizational responsibility but also a strategic opportunity to present to the world the expertise gained in the field of urban development. In this context, Baku is positioned as a dynamic urban center located at the intersection of Eastern and Western urban development models.
Scheduled to take place from May 17 to 22 at the Baku Olympic Stadium, WUF13 will demonstrate the capital’s capacity to host large-scale international summits while serving as a practical testing ground for innovative urban management. Furthermore, the event highlights Azerbaijan’s commitment to the core pillars of inclusivity, accessibility, and sustainability.
AZERTAC reviews the infrastructure of inclusivity and accessibility created in Azerbaijan as part of the preparations for WUF13. Thus, the forum demonstrates not only the organization of physical space but also the integration of principles of social justice, equal participation, and universal design. The primary goal here is to ensure equal access to the event for people with various needs and to create an inclusive environment where no group is left behind.
Proactive inclusivity and the application of universal design
The planning of the stadium’s overall infrastructure was guided by accessibility principles from its very inception. The architectural and functional layout – featuring ramps, elevators, wide corridors, and tactile paths – is designed to minimize physical barriers. This approach is not based on retroactive adaptation, but on a pre-planned concept of Universal Design, serving as a leading model for organizing modern large-scale events. Furthermore, clear signage and high-contrast visual elements ensure the free and safe movement of all participants within the venue.
Physical accessibility is not limited to mobility alone; it is reinforced by comprehensive functional support systems. Features such as dedicated registration desks for wheelchair users, technical assistance points, spare wheelchairs, and charging stations for electric chairs demonstrate the systemic nature of this initiative. The technical maintenance point is designed not just for troubleshooting but for providing preventive support, marking a shift from a "reactive service" model to one of "proactive inclusivity." To assist participants, 40 spare wheelchairs will be available on-site, including 20 manual and 20 electric models.
The transport system completes this ecosystem. Through accessible shuttle buses and adapted taxi services, it creates a "seamless chain of movement" between the airport, hotels, and the event venue. To ensure total inclusivity, large-scale awareness training has been launched. As part of a program covering 4,200 individuals, specialized educational materials have been developed for various professional groups involved in the forum.
For participants with visual impairments, the system is built on multi-layered orientation and information accessibility. A tactile map located at the main entrance allows users to understand the venue's layout through touch. Braille materials and signs placed on doors promote informational independence, while tactile paving enables participants to navigate the space without additional assistance. High-contrast signage and safety markers enhance visual perception and mitigate risks, while an audio navigation system provides digital and voice-guided orientation throughout the interior.
Inclusive environments: The "Sunflower" system and communication technologies
The authorization for full access for guide dogs throughout the event venue demonstrates that inclusivity is a broad concept; it is not only human-centric but also encompasses service animals. Dedicated relief areas and on-site veterinary services are integral components of this systemic approach to comfort. This clearly illustrates that the well-being of both the individual and the service animal is integrated into a single ecosystem, effectively expanding the traditional definition of inclusivity.
Solutions implemented for participants with hearing and speech impairments are based on the principle of information equity. Sign language interpretation in both Azerbaijani and English, real-time transcription systems, and portable induction loops ensure that the forum’s content is accessible to everyone. These technologies are designed not merely to transmit information, but to ensure its simultaneous and high-quality reception. This minimizes communication barriers and facilitates an equal flow of information among all participants.
The "Quiet Rooms," designed for participants with cognitive impairments or neurodivergent needs, reflect the psychological and emotional dimensions of the inclusivity policy. Located in Zones A and B, these 20-square-meter spaces offer soft lighting, a silent environment, and comfortable furniture. These rooms are specifically intended for sensory decompression, emotional regulation, and brief respites. Furthermore, participants with health limitations will be provided with special wristbands featuring the Sunflower symbol – the international emblem for "hidden" disabilities. This allows staff and volunteers to quickly identify participants who may require additional assistance and to respond proactively to their needs.
Transport infrastructure serves as a vital component of the WUF13 inclusivity model. The integration of accessible shuttle buses, adapted taxi services, and the specialized capabilities of the Baku Metro forms a seamless system for barrier-free movement throughout the city. Notably, the provision of a free, accessible taxi service, dedicated exclusively to wheelchair users, represents a practical application of the principle of social equity.
In summary, hosting WUF13 in Azerbaijan clearly demonstrates the country’s ascending role in urban planning, international cooperation, and inclusive development. For the city of Baku, hosting WUF13 is significant not only in terms of organizing a large-scale international event but also as a global presentation of Azerbaijan’s modern urban development strategy.
Through this forum, Azerbaijan has secured a unique opportunity to share with the international community its tangible experience in implementing the principles of accessibility, inclusivity, and sustainability within a modern urban environment.
