WUF13 will be held at the Baku Olympic Stadium located at Heydar Aliyev, 323, Baku, Azerbaijan.

More information on the location of the venue can be found here.

The WUF13 venue will be well-marked with directions, information, and a map of the facilities. Volunteers and staff will be on hand to answer any questions.

Please find the WUF13 venue map here

The online registration for WUF13 is open, you can register via the UN-Habitat GEMS portal.

Registration will close on 22 May 2026 at 15:00 (UTC +04:00, Azerbaijan time).

Yes. Application documents are available in English only and can be completed and submitted electronically.

No. Group registration can’t be done by using a person’s individual account. Each Email address serves as the unique identifier for the person who registers.

Can I update the details in my registration? 

Can I register for a minor for the forum?

Is registration free?

In-person attendance

How do I choose the appropriate registration form and partner types?

How can l be accredited as media?

Can l attend WUF13 virtually?

The working language of the World Urban Forum is English. Opening and closing sessions, dialogues, special sessions, roundtables and press conferences will feature interpretation in the six UN official languages (English, French, Spanish, Russian, Arabic and Chinese).

Sign language interpretation, CART will be provided during the main sessions at the venue.

Organizers of partner-led events can book additional language services and sign language at their own cost.

The WUF13 venue is fully wheelchair accessible. Wheelchairs will be available at the registration area for participants for use during the Forum and on the premises. The venue includes ramps, lifts, accessible restrooms with special sanitary facilities for people with disabilities, tactile signage, inclusive quiet rooms, and assistance points. Volunteers and trained staff will be available to support participants with disabilities. There will be accessible helpdesks at the WUF13 venue, where trained staff and volunteers will provide assistance to participants with disabilities. 

For all accessibility-related support, additional assistant or other special requests, participants can contact the WUF13 Accessibility Team via [email protected] to provide further information with the indication “Accessibility question” in the E-mail header.

The venue will include braille signs, tactile maps, tactile pathways and floor line and braille brochures. Contrast colors will be used throughout the venue to enhance visibility, with yellow circular stickers on transparent doors, as well as yellow stickers at the beginning and end of ramps and stairs to support visually impaired people.

Induction loop necklace systems (1-to-1 induction systems) will be available in the below listed areas. Participants who wish to use this service can collect the necessary headphones at the Accessibility Help desk within the Registration Pavilion.

The equipment may be used throughout the day, and Participants are requested to return the headphones the same day at the Accessibility Help desk within the Registration Pavilion.

Induction mobile loops are installed at:

Registration Pavilion – Accessibility Help Desk and registration desk for Persons with Disabilities.

Main Hall:

• Opening and Closing Ceremonies

Area B:

• Dialogue A
• Dialogue B
• Special Session A
• Special Session B
• Roundtable A
• Roundtable B
• Press Conference room

Area A:

• One UN room A
• One UN room B
• One UN room C

Service dogs

Is there a dedicated entrance for Persons with Disabilities at WUF13?

General support

Information about different events at WUF13 will be available in the WUF13 programme page on this website.

An international Urban Expo will run throughout the duration of WUF13 to showcase sustainable urban development projects, best practices, and innovative solutions to tackle the challenges of housing, transport, energy, and climate change, among others. The Expo will feature both small booths and large pavilions, which will also host unofficial events. Thousands of people are expected to pass through the doors of the Urban Expo as a popular destination during each WUF. WUF13 registration is compulsory to visit the Urban Expo.

For more information, please read the Urban Expo Guidelines.

Who can exhibit?

Member States, local and regional authorities, civil society, academia, the United Nations, the private sector, and other intergovernmental organizations can host exhibition booths and pavilions at the Expo. Exhibitors can apply for space on a first-come, first-served basis. Exhibitors will be selected based on their applications. Selling items during the Urban Expo is prohibited.  For more information on rules and regulations, prices for space-only and pre-built booths, read the Urban Expo Guidelines.

The Urban Expo application form is expected to open until 31 March 2026. Please visit this website regularly for updates. A schedule for the build-up, rollout, and dismantling periods will be available in the Urban Expo Guidelines.

You can submit an expo application by selecting "Applications" from the menu in the GEMS personal dashboard. Your exhibition space application will be reviewed, and if accepted, confirmed upon payment.

The price of a pre-built booth is USD 612 per square meter, while the cost of empty floor space (space-only) is USD 195 per square meter. All prices are subject to 18% VAT. Please refer to the Urban Expo Guidelines for details on pre-built booths and space-only (for larger, custom-designed pavilions).

If you are registered as an exhibitor, you can participate in all sessions and events of WUF13. To be registered as an exhibitor means that you are registered for WUF13.

Yes, exhibitors must ensure that at least one staff member is always present at their booth/pavilion throughout the forum.

All registered exhibitors can access meetings, which are open to all participants at WUF13.

Yes, if you wish to visit the Urban Expo, you still need to register and get a WUF13 badge.

The World Urban Forum brings together sustainable urbanization champions from around the world. Whether they are representatives of government or non-government and community organizations; private sector entrepreneurs, students, academics or foundation representatives, WUF’s participants constitute a broad array of constituents eager to explore the urban transformation agenda as it relates to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals and the New Urban Agenda. Participants can be younger than 18 years of age and are welcome to attend but must be accompanied by a parent or a legal guardian.

Yes. The registration link is available on the WUF13 webpage. All participants are required to register to attend WUF13. Please note that access to WUF13 and the WUF13 venue will only be granted to those who have completed registration and obtained the official WUF13 photo badge.

Events at WUF13 include assemblies, dialogues, roundtables, special sessions, partner-led events, besides others. Most of the events on the WUF13 programme are open to everyone. Selected events are by invitation only.

No. You can register online on the WUF13 website and get your accreditation badge once you arrive at the venue in person with a copy of your registration confirmation letter and personal identification used during registration to participate in an event at WUF13.

Can I be denied access to the WUF13 venue?

Besides the main events, there will be partner-led events in seven categories:

• Networking events
• Voices from Cities
• SDGs in Action
• Urban Library
• ONE UN
• WUF Academy events
• Urban Cinema

More information is found here.

All media must be accredited through UN-Habitat GEMS. Applications submitted by email or post will not be processed.

Accreditation process: 

1. Go to the registration portal.
2. Find World Urban Forum 13 (WUF13).
3. If you have an account, log in with your email and password.
4. If you do not have an account, create an account, select “Media” in the partner type.
5. Upload the required documents and submit your application.

All media accreditation applications will be reviewed. Once approved, applicants will receive an acknowledgement letter confirming their media accreditations for WUF13. 

Media accreditation is reserved for professional journalists and media personnel (print, photo, radio, TV, film, news agencies, and online media) representing a bona fide media organization legally registered in a UN Member State.

Required documentation:

1. Government-issued photo ID (passport for international media; national ID card or passport for Azerbaijani nationals) 
2. Proof of professional status (one of the following):
    • Valid press card, or
    • A letter of assignment (see criteria below)
3. Recent samples of published work (links or PDFs)
4. International media representatives who are accredited in Azerbaijan by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan should upload their local press ID card.
5. For freelancers: a letter of assignment from a recognized outlet is required

Letter of assignment criteria: 

• On official letterhead of a bona fide media organization.
• Addressed to: Chief of Communications, UN-Habitat, and sent to [email protected].
• In English or another UN official language.
• Signed by an authorized person (Publisher, Editor-in-Chief, or News Director).
• Specifies: full name(s) of the journalist(s), functional title(s), dates of assignment, and intent to cover WUF13.

The following media guidelines will apply to the media covering WUF13:

1. WUF13 accreditation is sufficient; no additional accreditation is required to operate within the World Urban Forum venue.
2. All media equipment temporarily imported into Azerbaijan – including radio-electronic devices and broadcast equipment – must be declared through the E-customs: Electronic Customs Services portal. The declaration must be submitted at least 72 hours prior to arrival in the country. 
3. Upon arrival in Azerbaijan, the following documents must be presented to the customs officer at the airport:
    • Registration Acknowledgement Letter (media accreditation confirmation)
    • Simplified declaration for passengers 
4. Upon departure, the same declaration must be presented to customs officials together with the declared equipment. 
5. Drones are not allowed for entry to Azerbaijan.
6. Accredited broadcast media need to send a request for the temporary use of radio frequencies to facilitate entrance of radio-electronic devices into the country. Information about procedure will be provided at a later stage.
7. Additionally, check the information for travelers section on the official website of the State Customs Committee of the Republic of Azerbaijan for detailed import/export procedures and updated regulations.
8. Accredited foreign media attending WUF13 may carry out reporting or filming outside the WUF13 venue only after obtaining clearance from the relevant authorities in Azerbaijan. Request forms must specify the intended topics and filming locations and be submitted to [email protected] no later than 15 April 2026. 

Filming and photography are generally permitted in public areas such as streets, squares, and other areas. Please be informed that it is the media’s responsibility to verify any potential entry fees associated with these locations.

For filming at private properties, the media will need to contact the relevant entities directly to make necessary arrangements. To ensure a smooth filming experience and prevent any potential issues, we strongly recommend verifying all information beforehand.

For enquiries on media accreditation or interview requests with United Nations and UN-Habitat representatives and speakers, please contact the media team of UN-Habitat: [email protected] 

For enquiries or interview requests regarding the host country, please contact WUF13 media team: [email protected]  

For enquiries about importing broadcast equipment, entry into the country and filming outside WUF13 venue, please contact: [email protected].

The photo badge is required to get access to the WUF13 venue. To avoid delays and long queues, participants are advised to arrive early and pick up their registration badges as early as possible. On-site accreditation will be operational at the WUF13 venue as follows:

14 - 16 May 2026: 09:00 - 18:00 

17 - 21 May 2026: 07:00 - 18:00

22 May 2026: 07:00 - 15:00

For in-person accreditation at the venue, you need to bring a copy of the email registration confirmation, which includes your unique registration number, and proof of identification used for your online registration (original passport copy or ID).

UN-Habitat will not issue invitation letters to WUF13 participants. WUF13 participants must contact their nearest embassy for information about obtaining a visa, if required.

Do I need a visa, where and how do I apply?

The visa requirements for Azerbaijan depends on your nationality. Some countries are eligible for visa-free entry, while others can obtain e-visas or visas on arrival. UN-Habitat will not issue invitation letters to WUF13 participants, it is recommended to attach the "WUF13 Registration confirmation" email when applying for your visa. Please note that the WUF13 registration document will NOT guarantee that a visa will be issued.

Visa support

No. Sponsorships will not be made available to participants by UN-Habitat. You are responsible for making your own arrangements for travel, accommodation, health, and travel insurance and to cover your own expenses in Azerbaijan. 

No. Participants are expected to cover their own travel costs. Will I be provided accommodation by UN-Habitat? No. Participants are expected to cover their own accommodation costs and expenses. 

No. Participants are expected to meet all costs related to their participation in WUF13.

Heydar Aliyev International Airport (GYD) in Baku, which offers direct connections from major cities worldwide, is the primary international gateway and the official airport for WUF13. All dedicated airport transfer services will operate from this airport. Participants arriving at other airports or transit points within Azerbaijan should arrange onward transportation to Baku independently, though WUF13 transport services will be available once in Baku. Please find more information under ‘Local Transport’ on this site.

A number of airlines currently operate routes to Baku across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. These include Lufthansa from Frankfurt and Azerbaijan Airlines, which connects Baku with cities such as Vienna, Paris, London, Jeddah, Barcelona, Dubai, and Milan. Additional connections are provided by Emirates and flydubai via Dubai, Turkish Airlines via Istanbul, Gulf Air via Bahrain, Etihad Airways together with Air Arabia Abu Dhabi via Abu Dhabi, and Qatar Airways via Doha.

From Nairobi, connections to Baku are available through Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Etihad Airways, and Gulf Air, typically operating via their respective hub cities. These airlines currently provide the main access routes from East Africa and other international origins into Baku. Turkish Airlines and Azerbaijan Airlines offer strong network connections.

Emirates & Fly Dubai have a special booking CUGO code for all travelers to WUF13 which is EVE6WF3, while Qatar Airways special offer for travelers to WUF13 is this link Qatar Airways

Flight routes to Azerbaijan 

Please find here the list of flight routes to Azerbaijan.

Participants are responsible for securing and paying for accommodation of their choice. 

Participants are encouraged to use the dedicated hotel booking platform made available by the Government of Azerbaijan, noting that:

• The platform offers a range of accommodation options ranging from 2-star to 5-star hotels; 
• There is a refundable cancellation policy, allowing participants to receive a full refund for bookings cancelled before 1 May 2026 via the hotel booking platform.
• Questions on the hotel booking platform, including requests for group bookings (over 9 rooms), should be sent to the WUF13 Government Accommodation Team directly via email at [email protected]. 

Participants can however also choose freely to use any other relevant online accommodation platform, or to organize their accommodation by any other means as they see fit. 

Participants are advised to book their accommodation as soon as possible to avoid limited availability in the weeks prior to the conference.

Will airport transfers be provided for WUF13 delegates?

Yes. Free airport transfer services will be provided for all registered WUF13 participants (if an accreditation badge has not yet been received, the online registration confirmation letter is accepted as a substitute). Dedicated shuttle buses will operate between Heydar Aliyev International Airport and designated city transport hubs throughout the event period. WUF13 hospitality desks will be located at the airport to provide guidance and assistance.

Officially licensed airport taxis are also available 24/7 for travel to any city destination. Orders can be placed at the Terminal 1 taxi stand and Terminal 2 or via digital services at your own costs. (More information can be found here.)

WUF13 dedicated transport

WUF13 will provide comprehensive free transportation services for all registered participants throughout the event period (if an accreditation badge has not yet been received, the online registration confirmation letter is accepted as a substitute). The transport fleet will connect Heydar Aliyev International Airport, designated city transport hubs near official hotels, and Baku Olympic Stadium.

The WUF13 transport system includes the following services:

• 6 regular bus services operating 24/7 and connecting the airport with the city’s transport hubs, including the Narimanov route with a stop at the WUF13 venue
• 9 mobility hubs connecting the WUF13 venue with major accommodation areas
• Accessible taxi services for participants with limited mobility

Detailed schedules, routes, and booking information can be found at the WUF13 Transport Guide.

Digital transport map

The WUF13 Digital Transport Map is an interactive navigation platform designed to support participants’ seamless and efficient mobility across Baku during the event.
The platform provides comprehensive real-time transport information, including WUF13 shuttle routes, mobility hubs, official hotels, venue access points, and regular bus service schedules. Participants can plan their journeys between the airport, accommodation areas, mobility hubs, and the WUF13 venue, identify nearby   stops, and select the most suitable routes.

Access Digital Transport Map: map.wuf13.az

Watch the video to explore the transportation arrangements prepared for WUF13 participants.

What transportation options are available within Baku (metro, buses, taxis, etc.)?

Baku offers multiple transportation options:

• Metro: Modern, efficient subway system covering major areas of Baku, and
• Public Buses: Extensive city bus network

For the above the BakuKart is the official smart card used for public transportation across Baku, providing a convenient and efficient way to access both buses and the metro system.

Upon arrival at Heydar Aliyev International Airport (GYD), visitors can easily obtain a BakuKart from dedicated ticket machines located near the terminal exits. Travelers can purchase reusable cards, which can be refilled as needed using bank cards.

The BakuKart is fully integrated across the city’s public transport network, including BakuBus and the Baku Metro, ensuring comfortable travel throughout the city. For added convenience, both systems also support contactless (NFC) payments, allowing passengers to pay directly with compatible bank cards or mobile devices.

• Trains: 
  Azerbaijan Railways connects Baku with its suburbs via the Absheron Circular Railway, making journeys safe and convenient. In addition, interdistrict train services operate between Baku and various cities and regions of Azerbaijan, including major tourist destinations such as Ganja, Shaki, and Gabala.
  
  Buying a ticket: 
  Payment via ADY Mobile app allows passengers to buy and return tickets, top up balance, check schedules, and receive travel updates. Users can also scan a barcode to pass through turnstiles without a bank card. Contactless (NFC)  payment is also available at all suburban stations for cardholders of any bank. 
  
  More information about tickets can be found here: https://ticket.ady.az/en/tariffs-and-payment/payment-in-place 
   
• Taxis & Ride-hailing: 
  Taxi & ride-hailing apps (Bolt) are available.
• Sustainable Mobility: 
  Electric scooter sharing and bicycle programs are available for short distance travel

Will there be dedicated transport or support for Persons with Disabilities?

Yes. WUF13 is committed to full accessibility compliance and inclusive environment.

Baku will provide:

• Specialized wheelchair-accessible vans
• Accessible low-floor buses with ramps and designated wheelchair spaces
• Priority pickup services with advance booking available
• Trained staff to provide boarding assistance
• Accessible pickup/drop-off points at the main WUF13 venue entrance
• Golf cart services within the venue for mobility assistance
• Service animal transportation will be possible with dedicated shuttle buses and officially licensed taxis.

To request accessible transport services, please contact the Accessibility Assistance Helpline on call: +994 55 125 4222 or via Email to: [email protected].

Who can I contact for assistance or information about transportation during WUF13?

Transport assistance will be available through multiple channels:

• WUF13 Hospitality Desks: Located at the airport, transport hubs, and venue
• Transport Coordination Center: 24/7 hotline. The phone number will be provided closer to event dates. 
• Email: [email protected]
• On-site Transport Staff: Easily identifiable staff at all pickup/drop-off points

Emergency transport coordination will be available 24/7 throughout the event period. How to contact the 24/7 emergency transport coordination will be made available nearer to the Forum dates.

WUF13 participants wishing to discover the vibrant charm of Baku can join the guided city tours or Baku-Absheron region tours experiencing its rich culture firsthand. A list of potential tours can be accessed here. 

Yes, within the WUF13 venue free WIFI services throughout the venue..

Yes. More information will be available in due course on this website.

Yes. UN Web TV will live-webcast the WUF13 main events. More information will be available soon on this website.

Code of Conduct: to “Prevent harassment, including sexual harassment, at UN System Events”.

Purpose: The organizations of the United Nations system are committed to enabling events at which everyone can participate in an inclusive, respectful and safe environment.

Standard of Conduct: UN system events are guided by the highest ethical and professional standards. All participants are expected to conduct themselves with integrity and respect towards all participants attending or involved with any UN system event.

Reporting Misconduct: If you experience or witness harassment, including sexual harassment, you are encouraged to report the matter to the event organizer via [[email protected]]. Reports can also be made through the UN Speak Up Helpline (available 24/7): +1 917 367 8910 or by email at [[email protected]].

Rules, Regulations and Conduct for WUF13 Partner-Led Events and Urban Expo

WUF13 exhibitors and Partner-Led Event organizers are requested to adhere to the regulations and conduct within the WUF13 venue.

In preparation for the World Urban Forum 13 (WUF13), the venue will feature clearly designated smoking areas alongside smoke-free zones, which will be marked on the official event map. In alignment with the United Nations’ values of inclusivity and respect for the well-being of all attendees, these arrangements are designed to allow both smokers and non-smokers to comfortably navigate the event space. 

The forum adheres to the World Health Organization's (WHO) guidelines regarding the health impacts of tobacco use—including cigarettes, pipes, e-cigarettes, and vape devices—as well as the risks associated with second-hand smoke (https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/tobacco). To foster a healthy atmosphere for all within the WUF13 venue, designated smoking areas (DSAs) will be established throughout the venue. 

Smoking will be strictly prohibited in ALL indoor areas and within 10 meters of entrances, whole Area A and Area B, emergency assembly points, security screening areas, as well as in queues, gathering areas, and near areas reserved for children (playground), building entrances and F&B outlets. 

Compliance with this policy is mandatory. Security personnel will monitor adherence and report violations. All are expected to respect these measures and use only the designated smoking areas where indicated.

Yes.

Various information desks are found within the venue and at the airport.

Please ask at the Information desk for guidance.

No, there are no calls for presentation of papers, academic study, articles, etc. at the World Urban Forum.

No. The World Urban Forum does not facilitate the sale of private products, publications, etc. The same applies for the Urban Expo.

The official currency of Azerbaijan is the Azerbaijani Manat (AZN). The exchange rate may vary daily.

Azerbaijan operates on a 220-230 V supply voltage and 50Hz, with two plug types: plug type C and plug type F. In Azerbaijan, types C and F are the official standards. Plug type C has two round pins, while plug type F has two round pins and two earth clips on the side.

Transport with guide dogs

The WUF13 venue welcomes service or guide dogs (must have certificate – please carry a copy). There are several dedicated dog-relieving and rest areas for service dogs, and accessible transport options are available for participants arriving with them.

First aid and emergency medical services will be available inside the WUF13 venue.

Participants are strongly advised to obtain comprehensive international medical and travel insurance for the duration of their stay.

UN-Habitat or the host country will not be responsible for medical, accident and travel emergencies, for compensation for death or disability, for loss of or damage to personal property and for any other costs or losses that may be incurred during travel or the period of participation at the conference including pre-sessional meetings.

There are three main companies that offer cellular communication services in Azerbaijan: Azercell, Bakcell, and Nar Mobile. These companies provide services beyond voice communication, including 4G, 3G, and mobile data for internet browsing and multimedia access.

You can purchase a mobile sim card upon arrival at the international airport. Participants can subscribe to a service pack with mobile telephone operators. A valid passport is required as the prior document for subscription. The costs of this operation vary depending on the operator and desired pack.

If you are planning to travel to Azerbaijan for a longer period of time (exceeding 30 days) and want to use your phone with a local SIM, you will need to register your device within 30 days of entering the country. This is because Azerbaijan has implemented a mobile phone IMEI code registration system to tackle issues such as illegal imports, phone cloning, Telephone thefts and fake IMEI codes. 

Mobile devices imported into the country for personal use can be registered both online and at local post offices. To register a mobile device, it must be declared at customs when it is brought into the country, otherwise registration will not be possible. Registration of declared devices is possible by through my.gov.az website via SIMA or physically at post offices. For registration, the IMEI numbers of the mobile device, ID card information, and contact phone number are provided, payment is made, and registration is completed. 

Once your application is approved, you will receive a notification confirming the successful registration of your device. 

Note: Due to restrictions on payments from foreign bank cards during online registration, foreign citizens must visit a post office for registration.

To register your phone, it must be declared at the airport. If not declared at entry, additional penalties may apply when registering.

The registration process must be completed within 30 days of entering the country. If you do not register your device within this timeframe, it will be locked out of service. This rule applies to both locals and foreigners using a local SIM card. The 30-day period is accumulative, not reset upon departure.

According to the Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan on State Duties, the registration fee for mobile devices varies depending on the brand-model and international market price. The registration fee ranges from a minimum of 15 AZN to 100 AZN. 

In order to register each imported device for personal use, you will need to provide your phone's IMEI code, brand name, model, Copy of person's ID and the phone for inspection. If the market value of the phone exceeds USD 800, a 36% customs fee applies to the amount above USD 800.

If the market value of the phone exceeds USD 800, a 36% customs fee applies to the amount above USD 800.

If a foreign national utilizes international roaming services within the territory of Azerbaijan through a SIM card issued by a foreign mobile operator, the registration of the mobile device’s IMEI code in Azerbaijan shall not be required.

It is recommended to possess valid health and travel insurance that covers any medical expenses during your stay in Azerbaijan. This will provide you with peace of mind and ensure that you are adequately covered in case of any unforeseen circumstances.

Please write to [email protected]

Please write to [email protected]