The 13th World Urban Forum (WUF13), convened by UN-Habitat, represents the foremost global platform for dialogue on sustainable urbanization. Bringing together heads of state, ministers, mayors, international organizations, financial institutions, academia, and civil society, WUF13 will focus on advancing the implementation of the New Urban Agenda and accelerating progress toward Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11 and related global commitments. Hosted in Baku in 2026, WUF13 carries the overarching theme: “Shaping Human Capital for Sustainable and Resilient Urban Development.”
Baku Urban Week 2026
Baku Urban Week 2026 serves as a national preparatory and engagement platform in the lead-up to the 13th World Urban Forum. It brings together national and international stakeholders through thematic events, academic discussions, stakeholder consultations, and networking activities designed to build momentum toward WUF13. It facilitates coordination among government institutions, academia, practitioners, and international partners, ensuring that national perspectives and academic contributions are effectively connected to the broader WUF13 discussions.
Within the framework of Baku Urban Week 2026, Baku State University — as the oldest and largest university in Azerbaijan — assumes a leading role in shaping the academic dimension of national engagement with WUF13.
Interdisciplinary Conference
As a key institution contributing to human capital development, Baku State University (BSU), co-organizing with the State Committee on Urban Planning and Architecture of the Republic of Azerbaijan (SCUPA), initiates the organization of a high-level conference to address the critical role of human capital in advancing sustainable urban futures. The initiative draws on the University’s interdisciplinary expertise, bringing together expertise from urban planning, architecture, engineering, environmental sciences, economics, law, social sciences, and digital technologies.
The conference: “Shaping Human Capital for Sustainable and Resilient Urban Development” is designed as a high-level academic and policy dialogue that contributes directly to WUF13 discussions while strengthening national and international cooperation.
The event is intended to support dialogue and knowledge exchange within the framework of WUF13, with particular attention to the following areas:
The programme will be structured around the following thematic tracks, reflecting key areas of discussion relevant to contemporary urban development:
Note: The topics may be reviewed and revised as necessary.
Elchin Babayev
Anar Guliyev
Rafael Huseynov
Anar Iskandarov
Sadig Gurbanov
Igor Garafulic
Fariz Ismayilzade
Gulchohra Mammadova
Anna Soave
Rufat Mahmud
Ilgar Isbatov
Rasim Alguliyev
Aysel Yagubova
Raphaelle Vignol
Ramil Jahangirov
Nora Lombardini
Anar Valiyev
Deen Sharp
Wang Haoqiang
International Conference:
"SHAPING HUMAN CAPITAL FOR SUSTAINABLE AND RESILIENT URBAN DEVELOPMENT"
May 15, 2026 | 09:30 – 17:00
Flame Towers | Baku, Azerbaijan
