Business entities and startups can benefit from international experience, expand business contacts, and present their products and services to a wide audience by actively participating in WUF13.
Oxu.Az reports that from May 17-22, 2026, Baku will host another prestigious event - the Thirteenth Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13). WUF13 is a renowned platform for discussing sustainable and innovative urban solutions globally, prioritizing green economy and public-private partnerships. This event is beneficial not only for urban planning professionals but also for entrepreneurs and startups. The forum, consisting of a conference and an exhibition (Urban Expo), will offer a number of unique opportunities for business.
Global Experience and Partnership Opportunities
The conference within WUF13 will feature extensive discussions on sustainable urban solutions, green economy, and innovative technologies with local and international experts, government and private sector representatives. Benefits for entrepreneurs include:
Experience from previous WUFs in different countries shows that entrepreneurs and startups gain positive returns from participating in this event.
Urban Expo: Innovative Urban Solutions
The Urban Expo exhibition within WUF13 will allow entrepreneurs to present their innovative products, smart city technologies, and sustainable solutions to a wide audience. Here, entrepreneurs can:
Under the joint cooperation of the Small and Medium Business Development Agency (SMBDA) and WUF13 Operating Company, an information session on the benefits of WUF13 for businesses was organized at Baku SME House. Organized by SMBDA, a panel discussion on May 21 at the Business and Innovation Center will focus on strengthening the role of SMEs as key participants in building sustainable, inclusive, and resilient cities. The main goal is to enhance the role of SMEs in sustainable urban development and increase their contribution to inclusive and resilient urban environments. Additionally, at the Urban Expo, products and services of entrepreneurs in construction and urban planning will be showcased at a joint stand of SMBDA and the Azerbaijan Construction Producers Association, and information about the Agency's support and services will be provided throughout the forum.
Opportunities for Entrepreneurs and Startups at the Business and Innovation Center
Overall, 15 sessions on "Practical Application of the Urban Value Chain" will be held at the Business and Innovation Center. These interactive sessions will demonstrate how sustainable urban development and adequate housing are advanced through real projects and practices by partners, companies, and business associations. The Center, reflecting the private sector in all its diversity, includes a wide range of participants from large companies to SMEs, startups, and business associations, highlighting innovation, technology, and new approaches to urban challenges. The Center will also facilitate exchange between cities, investors, and experts applying their knowledge in practice, turning ideas into implementation-oriented approaches and strengthening cooperation in the urban value chain.
Also, a special space - the Startup Pavilion - will be presented at the Business and Innovation Center for newly established companies and young entrepreneurs to showcase their innovations. Featuring 14 startup projects selected from 10 countries worldwide, this pavilion aims to amplify the voice of new entities and highlight scalable ideas for solving housing and urban challenges.
Entrepreneurs and startups can get detailed information about the Business and Innovation Center, the exhibition, and the overall forum program at the following link: https://wuf.unhabitat.org/main-events
Thus, WUF13 is not only an event for discussing urban innovations but also a favorable platform for entrepreneurs and startups to get acquainted with global trends, present innovative ideas and products, build new partnerships, and actively participate in the development of sustainable and smart city concepts.
