Business entities and startups can benefit from international experience, expand their business relations, and present their products and services to a wide audience by actively participating in WUF13.

As is known, on 17–22 May 2026, the city of Baku will host another prestigious event — the Thirteenth session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13). WUF13 is a prestigious platform where sustainable and innovative urban development solutions are discussed at a global scale, and where “green economy” and public-private sector cooperation in this field are prioritised. This event is beneficial not only for urban planning specialists, but also for entrepreneurs and startups. The forum, consisting of two parts — a conference and an exhibition (“Urban Expo”) — will provide a number of unique opportunities for business.

Global experience and partnership opportunities

At the conference to be organized within the framework of WUF13, broad discussions will be held on sustainable urban development solutions, the “green economy”, and innovative technologies, with the participation of local and international experts as well as public and private sector representatives. The benefits for entrepreneurs are: 

- International experience and knowledge exchange: global trends, successful projects and innovative solutions are learned. 

- Expansion of business network: opportunities are created to establish new partnerships and explore investment opportunities. 

- Alignment with international standards: entrepreneurs are able to improve their business strategies in line with the global market. 

Experience from WUF events organized in different countries shows that entrepreneurs and startups obtain a number of positive outcomes by participating in this event.

“Urban Expo”: innovative urban development solutions

The “Urban Expo” exhibition to be organized within the framework of WUF13 will provide entrepreneurs with the opportunity to present their innovative products, “smart city” technologies, and sustainable solutions to a wide audience. Here entrepreneurs will be able to:

- establish direct contact with international investors and partners; 

- expand access opportunities to new markets; 

- promote their innovative projects and share them with a global audience. 

Within the framework of joint cooperation between the Small and Medium Business Development Agency (KOBİA) and the WUF13 Operational Company, an information session on the business benefits of WUF13 for entrepreneurs was organized at the “Baku SME House”. With the organization of KOBİA, a panel discussion on the topic “Strengthening the role of small and medium businesses as key actors in building sustainable, inclusive and resilient cities” will be held on 21 May at the Business and Innovation Centre of the forum. The main purpose of the event is to strengthen the role of SMEs in sustainable urban development and to increase their contribution to the formation of inclusive and resilient urban environments. Also, at the “Urban Expo” exhibition, products and services of entrepreneurs operating in the field of construction and urban development will be demonstrated at the joint stand of KOBİA and the Azerbaijan Construction Producers Association, and information on the Agency’s support and services for entrepreneurs will be provided at the stand during the forum.

Opportunities for entrepreneurs and startups at the Business and Innovation Centre

In general, 15 sessions on the topic “Practical application of the urban value chain” will be held at the Business and Innovation Centre. These interactive sessions will demonstrate how sustainable urban development and adequate housing provision are developed through real projects and experiences implemented by partners, companies and business associations. Reflecting the private sector in all its diversity, the Centre will include a wide range of participants, from large-scale companies to small and medium-sized businesses, startups and business associations, while also highlighting new approaches related to innovation, technology and urban development challenges. The Centre will also contribute to transforming ideas into implementation-oriented approaches by promoting exchange between cities, investors and experts applying their knowledge in practice, and to strengthening cooperation in the field of the urban value chain.

At the Business and Innovation Centre, a special space — the Startup Pavilion — will also be provided for newly established companies and young entrepreneurs to present their innovations. With the participation of 14 startup projects selected from 10 countries worldwide, the purpose of this pavilion is to give voice to emerging entities and to highlight scalable ideas for solving both housing provision and urban development challenges.

Entrepreneurs and startups can obtain detailed information about the WUF13 Business and Innovation Centre, the exhibition, and the overall forum programme via the link: https://wuf.unhabitat.org/main-events

Thus, WUF13 is not only an event where innovations in urban development are discussed, but also a convenient platform for entrepreneurs and startups to become familiar with global trends, present their innovative ideas and products, establish new partnerships, and actively participate in the development of sustainable and “smart city” concepts.

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