{"id":393075,"date":"2026-01-07T12:40:20","date_gmt":"2026-01-07T12:40:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/393075\/"},"modified":"2026-01-07T12:40:20","modified_gmt":"2026-01-07T12:40:20","slug":"azerbaijan-declares-2026-the-year-of-urban-planning-and-architecture-as-baku-prepares-to-host-wuf13","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/393075\/","title":{"rendered":"Azerbaijan Declares 2026 the “Year of Urban Planning and Architecture” as Baku Prepares to Host WUF13"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Azerbaijan<\/a>Baku, Azerbaijan. Image \u00a9 Mikhail Nilov via Pexels<\/p>\n

Share<\/p>\n

Share<\/a><\/p>\n

Facebook<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

Twitter<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

Mail<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

Pinterest<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

Whatsapp<\/p>\n

Or<\/p>\n

https:\/\/www.archdaily.com\/1037524\/azerbaijan-declares-2026-the-year-of-urban-planning-and-architecture-as-baku-prepares-to-host-wuf13<\/p>\n

President Ilham Aliyev has signed an order declaring 2026 the “Year of Urban Planning<\/a> and Architecture<\/a>” in the Republic of Azerbaijan<\/a>. The decision establishes a national framework focused on urban planning<\/a> policy<\/a>, architectural culture, and sustainable<\/a> development, aligning with Azerbaijan<\/a>‘s preparations to host the 13th World Urban Forum<\/a> (WUF13) in Baku<\/a> in May 2026. According to the order, the designation aims to preserve Azerbaijan<\/a>‘s centuries-old traditions while integrating contemporary approaches that respond to current social, environmental, and spatial challenges. The President’s Administration will now prepare and submit a comprehensive action plan for the year within one month.<\/p>\n

\"Azerbaijan<\/a>\"Azerbaijan<\/a>\"Azerbaijan<\/a>\"Azerbaijan<\/a>\"Azerbaijan<\/a><\/p>\n

\"AzerbaijanPanoramic view of Baku. Image \u00a9 Milosz Maslanka via Shutterstock<\/a><\/p>\n

The declaration aligns with Azerbaijan<\/a>‘s growing engagement in international urban development agendas, including the New Urban Agenda and the United Nations<\/a> Sustainable Development Goals<\/a>, particularly SDG 11<\/a> on sustainable cities<\/a> and communities. Within this context, Baku<\/a> will host WUF13<\/a> from 17 to 22 May 2026, organized by UN-Habitat<\/a> under the theme “Housing the World: Safe and Resilient Cities and Communities.”<\/a> The forum will address the global housing crisis, with nearly 3 billion people worldwide experiencing housing inadequacy. By examining housing as a foundation for inclusive<\/a>, resilient<\/a>, and sustainable<\/a> urban development<\/a>, WUF13 will link shelter to integrated planning, climate adaptation, and inclusive governance.<\/p>\n

\"AzerbaijanBaku Azerbaijan. Image \u00a9 \u0130ltun Huseynli via Unsplash<\/a><\/p>\n

Preparations for WUF13 have also been accompanied by expanded regional and international cooperation. In this context, the Chairman of Azerbaijan<\/a>‘s State Committee on Urban Planning<\/a> and Architecture<\/a>, Anar Guliyev, met with Maksat Mamytkanov, Ambassador of the Kyrgyz Republic<\/a>, to discuss strategic partnerships. During the meeting, Azerbaijan<\/a> invited Kyrgyzstan<\/a> to actively participate in WUF13, building on existing collaboration in the reconstruction projects of the Karabakh and East Zangezur regions.<\/p>\n

Related Article UIA 2030 Award Launches Its Third Cycle Highlighting Sustainable Development Goals<\/a> <\/p>\n

Azerbaijan<\/a>‘s selection as host reflects its blend of layered architectural heritage and modern development initiatives. Historically positioned along the Silk Road, Azerbaijani<\/a> cities<\/a> served as centers of trade and culture, producing a layered architectural heritage. Several sites exemplifying this legacy are inscribed on UNESCO<\/a>‘s World Heritage List<\/a>, including Icherisheher and the Shirvanshahs’ Palace Complex in Baku<\/a>, the Maiden Tower, and the historic center of Shaki with the Khan’s Palace.<\/p>\n

\"AzerbaijanMaiden Tower, Baku, Azerbaijan. Image \u00a9 Rahib Yaqubov via Pexels<\/a><\/p>\n

In recent decades, Azerbaijan<\/a>‘s urban landscape has continued to evolve through modernization and large-scale development projects in both the capital and regional centers. Current planning priorities emphasize balanced regional development, sustainable settlement patterns, and alignment with international sustainability<\/a> frameworks. Together, the declaration of 2026 as the Year of Urban Planning<\/a> and Architecture<\/a> and the hosting of the World Urban Forum<\/a> position Azerbaijan<\/a> within ongoing global discussions on housing<\/a>, sustainability<\/a>, and the future of cities<\/a>.<\/p>\n