POLITICS
WUF13
World Urban Forum 13 - Governance Model and the Emerging Global Leadership of Azerbaijan

The fact that Azerbaijan has become a reliable host of large international conferences is much more than it has to do with logistics skills, but a confirmation of political steadiness, a mature institutional system, and a model of governance that is increasingly in line with the global development agenda. Achieving the COP29 in the country in November 2024 was a milestone in its international relations because it has proven to be able to bring various stakeholders together, shape tricky negotiations, and achieve practical results on matters of global interest. This has provided a solid base to the next key event to be hosted in Azerbaijan as the host of the 13th World Urban forum (WUF13) in May 2026, which will enhance increasing international confidence in Azerbaijan as a leader.

The fact that the international community has decided to place Azerbaijan in charge of WUF13, comprising the first-ever Summit of Heads of State and Government within the Forum, is indicative of the values attached to the credibility of the country in enhancing sustainable development and urban transformation. WUF13 is particularly well-timed to the domestic priorities of the Azerbaijan domestic policy within the framework of the topic established as Housing for All: Safe and Sustainable Cities and Settlement because the Forum is not only the diplomatic event but also the mirror of the national reforms and long-term strategic planning.

The fact that President Ilham Aliyev made a declaration that 2026 was going to be the Year of Urban Planning and Architecture also points to the active and progressive stance of the government. Focusing on conserving the rich architectural history of Azerbaijan along with the introduction of modern and sustainable urban development, the state proves to be well-equipped in terms of balancing between tradition and innovations, which is a more and more significant issue in governance of urbanizing societies of the 21st century.

City Building

The process of urbanization in Azerbaijan is unique, as it is not only the development of the industrial complex but the historical difficulties, such as the military conflict, displacement, and reconstruction. Instead of taking these experiences as limiting factors, the government has made them the instruments of change and innovation. Such a background makes Azerbaijan especially highlight in the international discourse on inclusive cities, housing policy, and urban resilience, which are the themes of WUF13.

The best example of this is in Garabagh and Eastern Zangezur. After the Patriotic War of 2020, Azerbaijan initiated one of the greatest post-war reconstruction and urbanization plans in the world. The government policy is not just the reconstruction of physical infrastructure, it is a complete outlook on sustainable settlement, social assimilation and economical sustainability.

Mining clearance is the most important item which has been emphasized as the first step to be followed by quick development of transport networks, utilities, industrial areas, and social services. The focus on economic resilience and employment is also of great importance, and the returning populations can restore their dignity, stability, and opportunity to rebuild their lives. These regions are becoming a part of national and regional economies through strategic infrastructure projects, such as the Zangezur Corridor, to strengthen peace building by connecting and sharing prosperity.

Green Revolution and Vision of the Leadership

The only difference that stands out in the reconstruction model by Azerbaijan is its emphasis on the environmental dimension. Garabagh and Eastern Zangezur being called Green Energy Zone is also a policy choice that reflects a conscious decision to make post-conflict recovery consistent with climate conscious development. The design of new cities, towns and villages relies upon energy-saving plans, integration of renewable energy, environmentally-friendly materials, and climate-durable infrastructure.

This will turn reconstruction to create a new generation of sustainable settlements and make Azerbaijan one of the viable members of the UN New Urban Agenda. The government is not just signing global systems but implementing them at the ground level; a strategy that is increasing its credibility levels as a policy developer and implementation guide.

Credibility

The experience of hosting COP29 at the institutional and diplomatic level is another aspect that will ensure Azerbaijan is ready to host WUF13. The conference produced results of international weight such as the acceptance of the Baku Finance Goal that created an unparalleled binding of mobilizing the 1.3 trillion yearly to the developing nations. The implementation of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement in full operationalization of the transparent international carbon markets and the institutionalization of the Loss and Damage Fund offered tangible assistance to the climate-vulnerable states.

It was also crucial that Azerbaijan managed to establish the balance between mitigation, adaptation, and finance. The Baku Adaptation Roadmap and the Global Adaptation Target were adopted which made sure that adaptation remained the focus of the global climate agenda. The above successes underscored the capacity of Azerbaijan to not just facilitate intricate intergovernmental processes but also ensure that the latter are steered to inclusive, futuristic and practical results.

Thus, WUF13 is a logical continuation of the increased functioning of Azerbaijan in world society. The Forum will also serve to present the urban success of the country in addition to making significant contributions to global discussion on the housing, sustainable cities and post-conflict reconstruction. Azerbaijan can turn words to deeds as COP29 showed.

It seems to me that by WUF13, Azerbaijan aims to do the same in the urban development, arena, not only to put itself forward as a place of global discussion, but as a model of how to construct resilient, inclusive and sustainable cities. With its vision, institutional performance, and adherence to national-level alignment with global interests, the governance strategy of Azerbaijan is prominent in the rapidly changing world.

Muhammad Ali Pasha

Chairman of “The Gulf Observer Research Forum” and Patron-In-Chief of “The Gulf Observer”