Baku, Azerbaijan – The city has been chosen to host the United Nations World Urban Forum 2026, a global gathering that will attract tens of thousands of participants from around the world.
The decision came after a rigorous evaluation by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, which marked Baku as a leader in sustainable urban development.
Planners are preparing an itinerary that includes workshops, panel discussions and a showcase of cutting‑edge smart‑city technologies, all set to take place from August 9 to 13, 2026.
Planners are hosting at the Azerbaijan International Convention Centre, a state‑of‑the‑art complex that recently welcomed a record number of delegates during the 2024 UN Climate Change Summit.
“Media and civil‑society communities will find the Forum a platform for authentic dialogue about urban resilience and inclusive growth,” said Ms. Leyla Gurbanova, the UN Resident Representative.
Meanwhile, the local government has invested in public‑transport upgrades and pedestrian zones, ensuring that thousands of visitors can shuttle between session halls without congestion.
The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe praised the initiative for “offering a stage where capital, ideas and grassroots action intersect,” a sentiment that resonates across stakeholders.
A cluster of NGOs and community organisations in Baku are already drafting collaborative projects, hoping that the Forum’s momentum will amplify their voices in city‑planning dialogues.
Next week, a rehearsal will take place, during which delegates from five continents will walk through the rehearsal hall, experiencing what it will feel like to stand amid a global congregation.
Despite the announcement’s official nature, many residents feel the excitement of Baku’s future as they recall the city’s own journey from a Soviet industrial hub to an emerging metropolis.
The city’s mayor, Ali Abbasov, added that “this event is a testament to how local dedication can elevate a nation’s profile on the world stage.”
As the world turns its gaze toward Baku in 2026, the city’s residents, educators and entrepreneurs alike will watch with hope that the UN Forum will spark tangible progress in shaping the future of urban living.
