State Committee on Urban Planning and Architecture of the Republic of Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan’s indoor Pavilion will feature two main sections. The first will showcase the country’s remarkable socio-economic transformation and urban development advancements achieved after gaining independence in 1991, while a second section will focus on the unique experience that WUF13 and Baku, its host city, will proudly offer to visitors in 2026.
Within the first section, we intend to illustrate the vision and progress of the ambitious “State Programme on the Great Return” aimed at restoring the Azerbaijani territories that were regained in 2020, after 30 years of conflict. Visitors will be exposed to the extent of the physical destruction that took place during occupation and the scale of the landmine contamination, followed by evidence of the on-going re-settlement of displaced families, emphasizing the profound significance that homecoming and recovery have for our citizens.
A selection of urban plans and projects developed for the regained areas and the Baku Master Plan 2040 will on display, emphasizing the partnerships between the SCUPA and national and international design firms. The projects will illustrate how the government of Azerbaijan has embraced the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the New Urban Agenda by adopting contemporary urban planning approaches and investing in renewables, sustainable transportation, preservation of cultural heritage, and improved housing standards. In line with the theme of the WUF12, the Azerbaijan pavilion will showcase how local actions are vital for the recovery of crisis-affected regions and communities and how these contribute to long-term sustainable development.
The second section, designed to introduce Azerbaijan as the host of the next WUF but also as an exciting, friendly and safe tourist destination, will offer a spectacular display of the vibrant urban context of the city of Baku and the rich cultural heritage and diversity of the country.