Category: Azer News

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev congratulated His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar, and the brotherly people of Qatar on the occasion of the national holiday of the country, Azernews reports.

‘The level of Azerbaijan-Qatar relations, rooted in common religious and cultural values, brotherhood, and Islamic solidarity, is gratifying. I am confident that we will continue to make joint efforts to strengthen our interstate relations, built on mutual trust and support, and to fully benefit from the potential of our mutually beneficial cooperation, both bilaterally and multilaterally,’ the head of state noted his message.

‘On this festive day, I wish you robust health, happiness, and success in your high state activities, and the brotherly people of Qatar everlasting peace and prosperity,’ President Ilham Aliyev emphasized.

Azerbaijan is on the verge of realising the biggest cotton harvest since the country gained its independence. This represents a kind of breakthrough within the agricultural sector and further enhances the position of the country within the global cotton industry. Cotton production begins to take on the sense of an important agricultural crop for Azerbaijan again. Almost complete harvests of the 2025 harvest suggest a revival of the industry after a few years of shrinkage.

According to a statement made by Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Agriculture by early December, 353,914 tons of raw cotton were gathered from 100,468.1 hectares of agricultural land, and this year’s crop average of 35.23 centners of cotton per hectare is a record high in Azerbaijan after independence.

In US dollar value, the amount of raw cotton is measured in tens of millions of agricultural products, thus accentuating the significance of cotton beyond its simple nominal value of export.

This increase has come against the background of various harvest decreases experienced in previous years. To give a proper comparison, Azerbaijan harvested just over 307,000 tons in 2024, while in 2023, harvests decreased to 276,300 tons. This shows that in 2022 and 2020, harvests stood at approximately 323,000 and 337,000 tons, respectively, making 2025’s harvest a definitive turnaround in renewed focus on this sector.

Cotton farming has been conducted in 16 areas during the 2025 economic year, with the largest area of agricultural land allocated towards cotton farming in nine traditional cotton-growing districts: Aghjabedi, Beylagan, Barda, Bilasuvar, Imishli, Neftchala, Saatli, Sabirabad, and Salyan. The nine areas comprise approximately 86,000 hectares of cotton plantations.

As of December 8, the Beylagan region showed the highest level of productivity in the country with an average harvest of 41.07 centners per hectare, with a total output of 36,543.9 tons from 8,898.3 hectares. The list includes a number of high-performing areas, such as Neftchala with 39.64 centners per hectare, Bilasuvar with 39.45 centners per hectare, Tartar with 37.46 centners per hectare, and Barda with 35.80 centners per hectare

In the cotton belt, Barda recorded an average harvest of 30,249.4 centners from 8,448.8 ha of land, yielding 35.8 centners per ha, one of the better performances in the country.

The reinforcement of cotton lint and yarn output indicates improvement in the field. In January-November 2025, Azerbaijan manufactured 76,856.5 tons of cotton lint, a rise of 33.8 per cent from previous years, and cotton yarn worth 19,737.4 tons, a rise of 22.9 per cent. The large storage stocks, measuring 28,308.2 tons of cotton lint and 5,214.7 tons of cotton yarn on December 1, indicate growing material availability.

The trend is also seen in the export results. The total export of cotton yarn from January to October 2025 was 12,029.40 tons, with a value of US$27.45 million, which indicates a rise of 17.8 per cent and 8.8 per cent over the same period of the previous year, respectively. All these figures clearly indicate how the growth of the cotton crop itself contributes to the generation of more value-added exports instead of remaining basic exports.

Further information from mid-2025 reveals that raw cotton production in the first half of the year had shown a substantial increase of more than 46,000 tons, and that cotton yarn production was up by nearly 25 per cent in the first seven months.

Expectations for further expansion led the Agricultural Subsidy Council to announce an increase in the support levels for cotton crops in the 2026 agricultural year very recently. Farmers will get 215 manats per ton (approx US$126) for irrigated cotton and 200 manats per ton (approx US$118) for non-irrigated cotton, thus pragmatic efforts are being promoted through this upliftment too.

The subsidies will be applicable in specific regions, including Aghjabedi, Beylagan, Barda, Neftchala, Saatli, Sabirabad, and others, while other regions will be denied yield subsidies. Justification is based on promoting both yield and specialisation.

There have been new state standards set for cotton in 2025. These seek to enhance the quality control of cotton lint assessment, ranging from maturity to purity. This paves the way to better export revenues.

Regardless of the bright spot, there are still issues that need to be addressed. The problem of water, especially in regions where cotton is grown, has been seen as an issue. The need for irrigation systems has been advocated by the growers, especially for the purposes of yield. Development of local high-quality varieties, as well as having improved protection against diseases, is another priority.

There are also some international efforts for the modernisation of agriculture in Rwanda. For example, FAO and IAEA-funded schemes have implemented the use of climate-resilient agriculture and nuclear-supported soil and fertiliser optimisation methods, whose potential for yield expansion and soil and climate change resilience is evident in some pilots.

Apart from cotton fibres, Azerbaijan is slowly developing the textile chain. This is seen in the cotton processing factory in the Sabirabad Industrial District, churning out lint and technical fibres for both domestic and export markets. Using imported technology from countries like Trkiye, Germany, and Italy, the factory’s annual production capacity stands at 8,000 tons of lint and 10,000 tons of fibres, already seeing exports and job creation.

On the one hand, new joint ventures are coming to fruition. Joint projects with Uzbek textile companies aim to create clusters of cotton farming, yarn, textiles, and clothing to make Azerbaijan, besides being a raw material provider, a participant in the textile sector supply chain.

The cotton harvest of 2025 is an indicator not only of quantity growth but also of the qualitative change in Azerbaijan’s agricultural economy. Indeed, thanks to record harvest volumes, growing processing production, supportive policy and rising levels of international partnership, cotton is re-emerging as a driving force not only in rural jobs but also in non-oil exports. If the trend is any indication, particularly with improvements in irrigation systems and the use of modern cultivation methods and textile manufacturing linkages, cotton could become an innovation catalyst for the farm sector in Azerbaijan from its current status as a traditional crop.

A closing event dedicated to the Agribusiness Festivals is being held in Baku today.

As reported by Azernews, the event will mark the conclusion of the 2025 agricultural year and review the outcomes of key initiatives implemented in recent years.

The programme includes presentations on the results of 90 Agribusiness Festivals held over the past three years, nearly 30 seed exhibitions and sales fairs, credit fairs, product festivals, and state support mechanisms for the agricultural sector. Reports will also be presented on bootcamps supporting the implementation of artificial intelligence projects, involving students from around 20 higher education institutions. In addition, a new format of the Caspian Agro International Azerbaijan Agricultural Exhibition, scheduled for May 2026, will be unveiled.

The event brings together high-level government officials and institutional leaders, including Minister of Agriculture Majnun Mammadov; Minister of Science and Education Emin Amrullayev; Minister of Labour and Social Protection of the Population Anar Aliyev; Minister of Youth and Sports Farid Gayibov; Chairman of the Azerbaijan Food Safety Agency Goshgar Tahmazli; Chairman of ASAN Service Ulvi Mehdiyev; Chairman of the Azerbaijan State Water Resources Agency Zaur Mikayilov; Chair of the Milli Majlis Committee on Agrarian Policy Tahir Rzayev; Head of the Agrarian and Ecology Department of the Cabinet of Ministers Latif Gasimov; Minister of Agriculture of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic Rafail Guliyev; President of the National Confederation of Entrepreneurs (Employers) Organisations of Azerbaijan Mammad Musayev; as well as heads of the Business Development Fund, the Azerbaijan Banks Association, the State Employment Agency, and several commercial banks.

SOCAR and Hungary’s MOL Group have signed a Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) for exploration and production activities in Azerbaijan’s Shamakhi-Gobustan area.

Azernews reports, citing SOCAR, that the agreement was signed by SOCAR President Rovshan Najaf and MOL Group Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Zsolt Hernádi.

Under the agreement, MOL Group will act as the project operator and hold a 65 percent participating interest in the joint exploration project, while SOCAR will retain a 35 percent stake.

As part of the project, seismic surveys are scheduled to commence in early 2026, followed by drilling operations at a later stage.

It was noted that this fully negotiated agreement represents an important milestone in the strategic partnership between SOCAR and MOL Group, building on their successful previous cooperation. The deal follows the signing of a Heads of Terms Agreement between the two companies during Baku Energy Week on June 3, 2025.

MOL Group entered the Azerbaijani market in 2020 by acquiring a 9.57 percent stake in the Azeri-Chirag-Gunashli (ACG) oilfield and an effective 8.9 percent interest in the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) oil pipeline transporting crude oil to the port of Ceyhan.

International Mugham Centre has solemnly celebrated the 75th anniversary of People’s Artist, Presidential scholarship holder, recipient of the Shohrat Order, laureate of the International Golden Sword and Humay Awards, eminent conductor and pedagogue Aghaverdi Pashayev, Azernews reports.

During the jubilee evening, a member of the Azerbaijani Parliament and Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Culture, Polad Bulbuloglu, delivered a speech highlighting Aghaverdi Pashayev’s contributions to the national culture as a pedagogue and conductor.

He pointed out that for 25 years, Aghaverdi Pashayev led the State Folk Instruments Orchestra, achieving success as a conductor and artist, and making his mark in the art world. Although he received his education in the tar instrument, he devoted his life and career to conducting, training numerous worthy students over many years. Today, each of these students leads musical ensembles in various regions of Azerbaijan.

Deputy Culture Minister Murad Huseynov, on behalf of Minister Adil Karimli, congratulated the jubilarian and presented him with the Ministry’s “Honorary Diploma” along with a congratulatory letter from the collective.

At the event, Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Public Associations and Religious Organisations Fazil Mustafa, Director of the International Mugham Centre Sahib Pashazade, Rector of the Azerbaijan National Conservatory Kamila Dadash-zade, Secretary of the Azerbaijan Composers’ Union Elnara Dadashova, Vice-Rector of the Azerbaijan State University of Culture and Arts Sadaqat Aliyeva, Vice-Rector of the Baku Music Academy Gulnaz Abdullazade, and Vice-Rector of Nakhchivan State University Nijat Yagubov all delivered congratulatory speeches.

Letters of congratulations from Chairwoman of the State Committee for Family, Women and Children’s Affairs Hijran Huseynova and from the Music College under the Azerbaijan National Conservatory were read aloud.

In the artistic part of the evening, under the direction of Aghaverdi Pashayev’s student, Honoured Artist Ilaha Huseynova, and accompanied by the State Folk Instruments Orchestra, performances were given by People’s Artists Mansum Ibrahimov, Teyyub Aslanov, Azer Zeynalov, Gulyaz and Gulyanaq Mammadova, Samir Jafarov, Gulnaz Abdullazade, and Honoured Artists Almaz Orujova and Ramil Gasimov.

The joint performance of People’s Artist Agaverdi Pashayev and Honoured Artist Sahib Pashazade was met with applause.

The jubilee evening concluded with Agaverdi Pashayev conducting the Choir of the Fikrat Amirov Azerbaijan State Song and Dance Ensemble (choirmaster – Honored Artist Naala Barateliya) and Ramil Gasimov’s performance of Muslim Magomayev’s work “Land of Fire.”

Aghaverdi Pashayev, renowned conductor and pedagogue, was born on October 27, 1950, in Baku. His musical journey began at an early age when his father, noticing his passion for music, gifted him a small tar. In 1960, his father enrolled him in the 12th Music School, where his first teachers were Nadir Ahmadov and, later, Aghasalekh Abasaliyev.

While still a student, Aghaverdi Pashayev actively participated in music competitions, earning laureate titles. He went on to win the 6th and 7th All-Union competitions, establishing himself as a promising young musician.

In 1971, after graduating from the A. Zeynalli Music College, Pashayev entered the Uzeyir Hajibayli Academy of Music, where he studied tar performance under the guidance of Kamil Ibrahimov. Even during his college years, he pursued conducting alongside his instrumental studies. Upon completing the conservatory in 1976, Aghaverdi Pashayev was drafted into military service, where he served as a conductor in a military orchestra.

From 1979 onward, Aghaverdi Pashayev began teaching at the Uzeyir Hajibayli Conservatory and the Azerbaijan State Institute of Arts in the Department of Folk Instruments. During this period, he also trained military orchestras in conducting. In 1999, he was appointed head of the State Song and Dance Ensemble at the Philharmonic. A year later, he was entrusted with creating the State Folk Instruments Ensemble, which was successfully established in 2000.

Aghaverdi Pashayev’s repertoire is vast, encompassing original works and arrangements for folk orchestra by Azerbaijani and international composers. His programs feature both classical compositions and adaptations of folk songs for soloists and orchestra. He has collaborated with celebrated mugham performers such as Lutfiar Imanov, Farhand Kasimova, and others. Among his notable achievements is his victory at the international competition “Eastern Melodies” held in Uzbekistan in 2017.

Through his artistry, teaching, and leadership, Aghaverdi Pashayev has made a lasting contribution to Azerbaijani music, nurturing generations of musicians and elevating the role of folk instruments in orchestral performance.

Once, imagining that relations between the South Caucasus and Arab countries would develop rapidly and become firmly established seemed like something out of One Thousand and One Nights. Today, however, this has become an observable reality. This is because the diplomatic pathways that opened up in the South Caucasus region, where Azerbaijan is located, were once limited to northern and neighbouring states. Since gaining independence, Azerbaijan has made it a guiding principle to expand the scope of its diplomatic relations further. It has aimed to develop the country’s political and economic independence not within a narrow framework alone, but across the Western, Central, Middle Eastern and Far Eastern dimensions.

Certainly, President Ilham Aliyev’s upcoming visit to the United Arab Emirates reflects the steady elevation of Azerbaijan-UAE relations from pragmatic cooperation to a broad-based strategic partnership. Over the past decade, ties between Baku and Abu Dhabi have expanded well beyond traditional diplomacy and energy cooperation. Today, the relationship encompasses green energy, tourism, investment, cyber technologies, education, humanitarian engagement and digital innovation. This multidimensional agenda provides the political and economic context for the Azerbaijani President’s visit to Abu Dhabi on 16 to 17 December, undertaken at the special invitation of UAE President Shaikh Muhammad bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

At the heart of this visit is President Ilham Aliyev’s participation in the opening ceremony of the Global Games of the Future 2025, a global sporting event that combines physical and digital competition. The tournament, hosted by the UAE after winning a competitive bid in 2024, reflects the country’s ambition to position itself as a global hub for innovation and future-oriented industries. For Azerbaijan, whose own development strategy increasingly prioritises digitalisation, cyber technologies and innovation-driven growth, participation at the highest political level signals both alignment with these priorities and an interest in shaping emerging global platforms.

The Games of the Future will take place from 18 to 23 December at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, bringing together athletes from across the world to compete in eleven disciplines. Organised by Phygital International, an organisation headquartered in the UAE, the tournament merges traditional sport with digital skills, reflecting broader transformations in global culture and technology. With a total prize fund of five million US dollars, the event is also designed to attract international visibility and investment. President Ilham Aliyev’s attendance underscores Azerbaijan’s intention to be present where global innovation agendas are being set.

Beyond the symbolic importance of the event, the visit carries clear political significance. A bilateral meeting between President Ilham Aliyev and Shaikh Muhammad bin Zayed Al Nahyan is planned, continuing a pattern of intensive leader-level engagement that has become a defining feature of Azerbaijan-UAE relations. President Aliyev has visited the UAE six times, while the UAE President has made three high-level visits to Azerbaijan. These exchanges have played a decisive role in advancing cooperation across sectors and in establishing mutual trust at the highest level.

The political foundation of the relationship was significantly strengthened in recent years through landmark agreements. During Shaikh Muhammad bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s first official visit to Azerbaijan on 8 January 2024, the two sides signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Strategic Partnership. This was followed on 16 September 2025 by the Joint Declaration on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Relations, signed during the UAE President’s subsequent visit to Azerbaijan. Together, these documents elevated bilateral relations to a qualitatively new level, committing both sides to deeper cooperation in politics, trade, energy, investment and other priority areas.

Economic cooperation has become one of the most dynamic pillars of the partnership. In January to October 2025, bilateral trade turnover reached 147.49 million US dollars, representing an increase of more than 80 per cent compared to the same period of the previous year. This sharp growth reflects both improved market access and expanding business contacts, facilitated in part by the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement signed in Abu Dhabi on 9 July 2025. That agreement aims to increase trade volumes, diversify investment flows, promote innovation and green technologies, and strengthen ties between business communities.

Investment cooperation has also taken on an institutional character. In 2023, the Azerbaijan Investment Holding and the Abu Dhabi Development Holding Company established a Joint Investment Fund designed to support mutually beneficial projects. Several initiatives are currently being implemented through this mechanism, signalling long-term confidence in economic cooperation and shared development goals.

Energy remains a central strategic area, but its focus is increasingly forward-looking. UAE companies Masdar and ADNOC play an active role in Azerbaijan’s energy sector. Under the so-called Mega project with Masdar, large-scale renewable energy facilities are being developed, including solar power plants in Bilasuvar and Neftchala and a wind power plant in the Absheron Garadagh area. These projects, with a combined capacity of nearly one gigawatt, are expected to be commissioned between 2026 and 2027 and are central to Azerbaijan’s green transition strategy. ADNOC’s participation in the Absheron gas project further anchors energy cooperation on a strategic footing.

People-to-people ties reinforce these economic and political links. Direct flights between Baku and Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah have boosted tourism, with nearly 39 thousand UAE citizens visiting Azerbaijan this year. Transit transport volumes between the two countries have also increased by more than 20 per cent, strengthening Azerbaijan’s role as a regional connectivity hub.

Humanitarian and cultural cooperation adds depth to the relationship. The UAE’s contribution of five million US dollars to mine clearance efforts in Azerbaijan’s liberated territories has been widely appreciated, reflecting political solidarity and practical support. In education and culture, initiatives such as the opening of the Sheikh Zayed Arabic language auditorium at the Azerbaijan University of Languages and the organisation of Shusha Days in Abu Dhabi in November 2024 have strengthened mutual understanding.

President Aliyev’s visit, therefore, should be seen not as a single event, but as part of a broader strategic trajectory. By accepting a special invitation from the UAE leader and engaging in a platform that blends sport, technology and global visibility, Azerbaijan signals its intention to deepen partnerships that support its long-term political and economic objectives. The visit reflects a convergence of interests between two states seeking influence through innovation, connectivity and strategic foresight.

Georgia is strengthening its position within the Middle Corridor due to ongoing infrastructure projects and its advantageous geographical location, Azernews reports, citing the international consulting company PMCG.

This assessment was voiced by Giorgi Papava, leading economist at PMCG, during the 28th annual meeting of the American-Georgian Business Council (AGBC) in Washington, which focused on bilateral relations between Georgia and the United States.

Papava highlighted the growing strategic relevance of the Middle Corridor, a transcontinental route linking China and Central Asia with Europe via the South Caucasus. He noted that despite existing challenges related to throughput capacity, costs, and logistical efficiency, Georgia’s location and infrastructure upgrades significantly enhance its role in this evolving transport network.

‘Projects such as the expansion of the Poti port, modernization of the railways and the advancement of the Anaklia deep-sea port project can further increase the region’s potential for diversified trade and investment attraction,’ Papava said.

He also underlined that although Georgia is not formally part of the C5+1 platform, the country remains an important actor in broader regional processes. According to Papava, growing US engagement in Central Asia, particularly in energy cooperation, supply chain diversification, and transport connectivity, creates new opportunities for Georgia to act as a bridge between Central Asian markets and European partners.

This dynamic, he stressed, places Georgia at the forefront of emerging transregional cooperation frameworks.

It should be noted that the Middle Corridor is a key transport and trade route connecting Asia with Europe and serves as an alternative to traditional Northern and Southern corridors. The route originates in China, passes through Central Asian states including Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan, crosses the Caspian Sea, and continues through Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Trkiye before reaching Europe. By bypassing longer maritime routes, the Middle Corridor offers a faster and strategically diversified land connection between East Asia and European markets.

Speaker of the Milli Majlis Sahiba Gafarova met with Marianna Kuyundžic, Head of the European Union Delegation to Azerbaijan, on December 17, Azernews reports.

According to the Press and Public Relations Department of the Milli Majlis, Speaker Gafarova congratulated Kuyundžic on the start of her diplomatic mission in Azerbaijan and wished her success in her future work.

The meeting included an exchange of views on relations between Azerbaijan and the European Union. Particular satisfaction was expressed with the positive momentum observed in bilateral ties throughout 2025, including reciprocal visits and high-level meetings. The importance of President Ilham Aliyev’s meetings with President of the European Council António Costa and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen was underscored, noting their role in discussing various aspects of the bilateral agenda.

Head of the EU Delegation Marianna Kuyundžic congratulated Azerbaijan on the achievements made toward peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia, describing them as historic. She emphasized that progress toward peace between the two countries is of significant importance not only for the region, but also for Europe and the wider international community.

Speaker Gafarova briefed the diplomat on the Azerbaijan-Armenia peace process, including confidence-building measures between the two parliaments.

In this context, she also drew attention to elements of the ‘EU-Armenia Strategic Agenda for Partnership’ that raise concerns from the perspective of the Azerbaijan-Armenia peace process.

The Speaker highlighted the close cooperation between the Milli Majlis and the parliaments of EU member states, recalling with satisfaction her visits and meetings conducted in this direction.

Touching upon resolutions adopted by the European Parliament against Azerbaijan, Gafarova stated that the realities currently prevailing in the region and the progress achieved in the Azerbaijan-Armenia peace process once again demonstrate the biased nature of these resolutions.

The discussion also covered various aspects of Azerbaijan-EU relations, with particular emphasis on the importance of cooperation in the energy sector. Opportunities for expanding collaboration in transportation, trade, and other fields were also highlighted.

Samsung Electronics announced on Tuesday a new partnership with Italian energy company Enel that will allow customers in Italy to receive free electricity when purchasing Samsung washing machines, Azernews reports, citing Korean media.

Under the agreement, customers who buy a Samsung washer will be granted up to 180 kilowatt-hours of free electricity over the next two years, starting immediately. According to Samsung, this amount is roughly equivalent to the energy needed to operate a Samsung A-rated washing machine in Europe for about two years.

To access the benefit, customers must be Enel electricity users and connect their Samsung washing machine to SmartThings, Samsung’s AI-powered smart home platform. Through SmartThings, users can monitor energy consumption, optimize washing cycles, and reduce unnecessary power usage-turning everyday laundry into a smarter, more efficient experience.

Samsung said the initiative reflects its broader commitment to energy efficiency and sustainable living, while also encouraging wider adoption of connected home technologies.

The Italian program follows similar energy-saving collaborations launched by Samsung in several other countries.

In Britain, Samsung partnered with British Gas last month to introduce the Samsung Weekend Saver Fix tariff, which offers half-priced electricity during daytime hours on weekends for Samsung product owners.

In the Netherlands, the company launched a free electricity initiative in June together with local utility firm Coolblue, helping customers lower their household energy bills.

In the United States, Samsung teamed up with Leap Energy last year to roll out the Samsung Flex Connect program. The initiative allows users to automatically reduce energy consumption during peak hours and earn Samsung Rewards by connecting smart appliances through the SmartThings app.

Industry observers note that these partnerships highlight a growing trend in which appliance makers and energy providers work together to promote smart grids, lower emissions, and cost savings for consumers-making sustainability not just an environmental choice, but a practical one as well.

Applications are now open for the Urban Expo exhibition, to be held as part of the Thirteenth Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku from 17-22 May 2026, Azernews reports.

Expected to attract tens of thousands of visitors from around the world, the Urban Expo will provide a high-profile international platform for showcasing cutting-edge approaches to sustainable urban development.

Covering 35,000 square metres, the exhibition will host a diverse range of participants, including national and local governments, regional bodies, UN agencies, academic institutions, international financial institutions, civil society organisations, foundations, and private-sector companies.

Exhibition spaces will be available in multiple formats, ranging from individual stands to large-scale national and city pavilions. The Urban Expo will convene global stakeholders around key priority themes such as adequate housing, climate resilience, digital innovation, and inclusive urban development, highlighting practical and innovative solutions to the most pressing challenges facing cities today.

Several new initiatives will be introduced at WUF13, including the Startup Pavilion and the WUF Academy, further enriching the exhibition experience.

Applications to participate in the Urban Expo must be submitted online by 31 March 2026, with one application permitted per category.

For registration and further information, please visit the Urban Expo webpage or contact the team at [unhabitat-events@un.org].