In 2026, Azerbaijan will host two high-level United Nations events: the 13th Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) and World Environment Day. These events highlight Azerbaijan’s growing role as a trusted and proactive contributor to global sustainability efforts.
The World Urban Forum, organized by UN-Habitat, is the world’s leading platform for dialogue on the challenges and opportunities of urbanization. Bringing this event to Baku places Azerbaijan at the heart of international conversations on how cities can be made more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable. It provides a unique opportunity for policymakers, urban planners, civil society actors, private sector leaders, and academics from around the world to examine global trends in urban growth, climate adaptation and sustainability.
Azerbaijan’s innovative urban solutions, such as the reconstruction of liberated territories in Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur, implementing “smart city”, “smart village” concepts and taking commitment on “net-zero” carbon emissions by 2050 in these territories showcases its commitment to environmental protection and sustainable urban development.
Azerbaijan’s newly election to the Executive Board of UN-Habitat for the first time for 2025-2029, further underlines its growing voice in shaping global urban policy. It reflects the country’s ambition to be a regional leader in sustainable development and to contribute actively to global thinking on equitable and climate-resilient urbanization.
Equally significant is the country’s role as host of World Environment Day 2026, the flagship awareness campaign of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Celebrated globally, this day mobilizes governments, communities, scientists, and businesses to address the most urgent environmental challenges of our time. By hosting this major event, Azerbaijan reinforces its commitment to climate action, biodiversity protection, and the green transition, while building on the momentum of COP29, which the country successfully hosted in November, in 2024. These two events create a powerful synergy with COP29 outcomes.
COP29 uniquely positioned to advance global dialogue on climate finance, adaptation, innovation, and to promote the implementation of outcomes such as the “Baku breakthrough” – the new global finance goal, Loss and Damage Fund, the activation of the article 6 on carbon markets.
At a time when cities are at the frontlines of climate risk and global inequality, and when environmental degradation threatens peace, health, and security, Azerbaijan’s hosting of these major UN platforms reflects its dedication to being part of the solution.
This commitment aligns with the national vision of “Azerbaijan 2030: National Priorities for Socio-Economic Development”, which emphasizes sustainable urban development, ecological resilience, and inclusive growth. In doing so, Azerbaijan contributes meaningfully to the global sustainability agenda—not just as a participant, but as a co-architect of the future.
