The Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the Republic of Bulgaria successfully hosted the event titled “WUF13 Urban Breakfast with Bulgarian Academia” on 30 April 2026 in Sofia. The session brought together representatives of leading academic institutions and universities of Azerbaijan and Bulgaria, alongside international organizations and public authorities, to present the upcoming 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13), while serving as a platform for dialogue and knowledge exchange.

The event was opened by Mr. Elmar Mammadov, Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the Republic of Bulgaria. The session featured speeches and presentations by Ms. Gulshan Rzayeva, Deputy National Coordinator on WUF13, Deputy Chief of Staff of the State Committee on Urban Planing and Architecture of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and Mr. Hamza Berrouane from the Secretariat of thr UN-Habitat, as well as representatives from prominent Bulgarian academic institutions, including the University of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geodesy, the University of National and World Economy, and University of Foresty who actively contributed to the discussions. From the Azerbaijani side, participation included representatives of the Azerbaijan State University of Economics, the Azerbaijan University of Architecture and Construction and other universities. The event also welcomed representatives from municipalities and other relevant stakeholders, including city of Sofia and its district Izgrev. 

In his remarks, Ambassador Mammadov highlighted the significance of the World Urban Forum as a premier global platform for addressing the challenges and opportunities of rapid urbanization. He emphasized Azerbaijan’s growing role on creation of important legacies within the framework of the major global events as COP29, WUF13 and its commitment to sustainable urban development. Referring to Azerbaijan’s successful hosting of COP29, the Ambassador underlined the importance of COP29 Declaration on Multisectoral Actions Pathways (MAP) to resilient and healthy cities, as well as other green city initiatives at the regional and national level, including cooperation opportunities with multilateral development banks such as the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).

Ambassador Mammadov also stressed that WUF13 represents a milestone event, not only for Azerbaijan but also for the wider European and Asian regions, as it is the first time the Forum will be held in the Caucasus. He noted that the Forum’s theme, “Housing the World: Safe and Resilient Cities and Communities,” reflects urgent global priorities, including the need to address housing shortages, climate resilience, and inclusive urban growth.

The keynote presentations were delivered by Ms. Gulshan Rzayeva and Mr. Hamza Berrouane who provided a comprehensive overview of the Forum’s objectives, thematic priorities, and programme structure. They highlighted Azerbaijan’s new initiatives within WUF13 and emphasized the critical role of academia in shaping sustainable urban futures through research, innovation, and policy-oriented expertise. They also outlined various participation opportunities available to universities, including involvement in the WUF Academy, partner-led events, and collaborative research initiatives.

The event, held in a hybrid format, served as a dynamic platform for dialogue between Bulgarian and Azerbaijani academia. Discussions focused on opportunities for inter-university cooperation, joint research, and also active engagement in WUF13. Participants explored ways to strengthen collaboration in areas of mutual interest.
In addition, Azerbaijan’s experience and projects in modern urban planning were presented, showcasing innovative approaches to sustainable city development and infrastructure transformation.

The event concluded with a national photo exhibition of Azerbaijan dedicated to the Year of Urban Planing and Architecture in 2026, featuring images of its historical monuments, rich cultural heritage, and diverse architecture, including in Baku, Shusha, Nakchivan and other cities of Azerbaijan, offering participants a visual insight into the country’s unique blend of tradition and modernity.

The “WUF13 Urban Breakfast with Bulgarian Academia” formed part of Azerbaijan’s broader international outreach efforts to ensure inclusive participation in WUF13 and to foster global partnerships.