Food & Climate
Azerbaijan will not postpone the UN World Urban Forum (WUF13) due to the outbreak of war in Iran and Tehran’s drone attacks on Baku.
Dr. Al Khan Lopukhov, ambassador of Azerbaijan to Egypt, told Food & Climate that the forum will be held as scheduled in May.
The United States and Iran launched a war on February 28, 2016, and the exchange of attacks continues. The scope of the conflict has expanded, targeting US bases in the Gulf states, oil and gas facilities, and causing a near-closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which has led to a surge in oil and gas prices.
World Urban Forum (WUF13) will be held in Baku from May 17-22, 2026, under the theme: “Housing the world: Safe and resilient cities and communities.”
Azerbaijan hosted the COP29 climate conference in 2024, one of the most important international climate conferences.
Lopukhov believes that urbanization significantly impacts food security, a central issue in any country’s national objectives. Therefore, discussing the balance between these two will be a key topic at the Baku forum, he added.
Preparations for WUF13
Dr. Al Khan Lopukhov, ambassador of Azerbaijan to Egypt, stated that his country is preparing to host the World Urban Forum (WUF13), which is considered a major event.
Speaking to “Food & Climate” on the sidelines of an Iftar hosted by the embassy in Cairo, he added: “We are proud that the (WUF13) follows Egypt’s hosting of the 12th Forum in 2024. Therefore, we believe that this forum in Egypt will provide very important ideas for continued discussion at the forum to be held in Azerbaijan.”
He continued: “The UN-Habitat is currently undergoing very important procedures, and urbanization affects people’s lives, so it is important to focus on the details and address them.”
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Azerbaijani ambassador to Cairo had previously confirmed, at the first online regional media briefing ahead of the thirteenth session of the (WUF13) in Cairo, Azerbaijan’s readiness to host the forum, reiterating his country’s commitment to organizing a comprehensive and action-oriented session.
He explained that hosting the (WUF13) represents an important milestone in Azerbaijan’s growing engagement in the global urban dialogue.
He said that urbanization is an unavoidable process, so it must be addressed properly and ensured that it does not cause any harm to the environment. “People need housing, and we must make it accessible and affordable,” he said.
The Impact of Urbanization on Food Security
Dr. Al Khan Lopukhov, ambassador of Azerbaijan to Egypt, believes that urbanization negatively impacts food security. This issue will be a key topic of discussion at the (WUF13), which Azerbaijan will host in May.
He told Food & Climate: “One of the most important national goals for any country is achieving food security. The UN-Habitat is involved in this issue to ensure a secure food supply for the world’s ever-growing population. Therefore, we need conferences like this to discuss how to balance urbanization with agricultural development.”
The ambassador considers this year’s forum particularly significant for Azerbaijan, as it is the first country in the region to host it.
He explained that this forum is also unique because it addresses the challenges facing the world. “Urbanization is not just about providing housing; it also encompasses drought, environmental issues, rising sea levels, and the challenges faced by small islands. Urbanization directly impacts all of these issues. Therefore, all these challenges require solutions, and at the forum, we will strive to confront and address them, exploring how to respond effectively.”
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UN-Habitat Egypt and its Regional Office for Arab States held their first virtual regional briefing in Egypt several weeks ago, ahead of the World Urban Forum.
Through a recorded video message, at the first online regional media briefing ahead of the (WUF13), UN-Habitat Executive Director Anacláudia Rossbach underscored the importance of the Forum at a key moment for the urban agenda, noting: “WUF13 will place housing at the center of global discussions – not only as a basic human right, but as a foundation for inclusion and climate and crisis-responsive development.”