AGP Executive Report

WUF13 Handover: Azerbaijan officially passed the UN World Urban Forum chairmanship to Mexico during WUF13’s closing in Baku, with the next edition set for 2028. Closing Ceremony: The WUF13 flag-lowering for Azerbaijan and the UN marked the end of the forum themed “Housing the world: Safe and resilient cities and communities,” which drew 57,000+ participants from 176 countries. Urban Focus: UN-Habitat leaders stressed housing and climate resilience as inseparable from inequality, stability and peace. Transport & Mobility: AZAL resumed Baku–Nakhchivan–Baku flights after weather delays, while Azerbaijan Railways reported 1,000+ tickets sold for Baku–Tbilisi–Baku and added an extra carriage. Regional Diplomacy: Prime Minister Ali Asadov met Turkmenistan’s Serdar Berdimuhamedov to expand Turkmen-Azerbaijani cooperation. Tech & Daily Life: Reports say iPhones may soon warn users about dirty camera lenses, and Azerbaijan’s bus network plans route restorations from May 23.

State Security Pricing: President Ilham Aliyev signed a decree setting the rules for approving service tariffs of Azerbaijan’s Special Communication and Information Security State Service, with current rates staying valid until new ones are set. Independence Day Diplomacy: A wave of congratulations poured in for Azerbaijan’s Independence Day, including letters from Saudi King Salman, Morocco’s King Mohammed VI, the UK’s King Charles III, and leaders across Europe, Africa and Asia such as Czech President Petr Pavel, Croatia’s Zoran Milanović, Sweden’s Carl XVI Gustaf, South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa, and Pakistan’s Shehbaz Sharif. EU Security Dialogue: Earlier this week, the EU and Azerbaijan held their 7th Security Dialogue in Baku, discussing partnership priorities, a new bilateral agreement, regional security and connectivity, including the Middle Corridor. Transport Update: Azerbaijan Railways outlined the new Baku–Tbilisi–Baku train service with three passenger classes and onboard amenities, as the route prepares to resume.

World Urban Forum in Baku: Azerbaijan is hosting WUF13 with a heavy focus on housing, resilience and “human-scale” city planning, drawing nearly 30,000 participants from 174 countries; the forum’s public push includes a Baku urban planning fair and a “Baku Call for Breathable Cities” communiqué, while UNESCO stresses heritage as a living part of urban development. Armenia–Azerbaijan political tensions: Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan escalated election-season accusations, alleging Russian-linked collaboration and warning that “external interference” threatens Armenia’s independence; opposition figures hit back, calling the claims politically motivated. TRIPP corridor debate: Pashinyan says the TRIPP transport program connecting West and East will start soon, framing it as a peace-and-crossroads strategy—while critics dispute its feasibility and external backing. Azerbaijan economy & trade: Azerbaijan’s butter imports have overtaken domestic production for the first time in years, and Azerbaijan’s trade surplus reportedly surged to $6.3bn, easing currency pressure. Tech & youth: Azercell opened registration for “Azercell CUP 2026,” a programming competition aimed at 6th–7th graders.

World Bank Boost: Azerbaijan’s Finance Minister Sahil Babayev met World Bank South Caucasus Regional Director Rolande Pryce in Baku, highlighting cooperation on energy transition, transport connectivity, infrastructure modernization and institutional reforms, with the “AZURE” green grid integration project and road corridor upgrades (including Salyan–Bilasuvar and possible Bilasuvar–Astara M3 financing) in focus. WUF13 Momentum: The World Urban Forum continues to drive policy talk in the capital, from circular waste and data-driven city governance to housing resilience and disability-inclusive planning, while SPECA Cities Forum sessions stress that housing is tied to dignity, security and quality of life. Regional Connectivity: Azerbaijan reopened passenger rail with Georgia after the pandemic-era land border closure, with regular service set to resume May 26. Pakistan–Azerbaijan Link: Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif and Azerbaijan’s Economy Minister Mikayil Jabbarov agreed to form a joint working group covering trade, investment, urban development, agriculture, logistics, tourism and infrastructure. Armenia Tensions: Armenian election interference claims and a politically motivated prosecution allegation against Arthur Osipyan drew fresh rights-group criticism, as Council of Europe prison statistics also flagged rising incarceration and heavy pretrial detention.

Energy Diplomacy: Azerbaijan’s Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov met EBRD’s Harry Boyd-Carpenter in Baku, pushing renewable power, grid upgrades, and green corridors linking Azerbaijan with Georgia, Türkiye, Bulgaria, and beyond—aiming for 8 GW of renewables by 2035 as data centers drive demand. EU Security Talks: FM Jeyhun Bayramov met the EU’s EEAS political director Olof Skoog, discussing EU-Azerbaijan ties, regional security, and normalization with Armenia, with energy security and transport connectivity highlighted. World Urban Forum Focus: WUF13 continued to spotlight inclusive housing—an event on the rights of persons with disabilities stressed universal design gaps—and cultural urbanism, with experts arguing heritage must stay “living,” not frozen. Regional Connectivity: Azerbaijan’s Middle Corridor role stayed in focus, while Russia-Azerbaijan trade corridor traffic reportedly jumped as North-South routes gain pace. Politics & Courtroom Pressure: A parliamentary delegation led by Speaker Sahiba Gafarova heads to Russia; meanwhile, Armenia-linked claims and ICJ criticism of Baku trials remain a live dispute. Sports & Culture: Azerbaijan’s judo team topped a European cadet medal table, and cultural events in Sabirabad highlighted young talent and mugham education.

World Urban Forum in Baku: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz opened the Punjab Pavilion and highlighted Pakistan’s “Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar” housing push, saying it’s been ranked among top global innovations. Regional Connectivity: Georgia and Azerbaijan signed a new energy-and-transport package, with passenger rail on the Baku–Tbilisi–Baku route set to resume from May 26, while the Baku–Tbilisi–Kars railway Georgian section is due to start by month-end. Armenia Vote Pressure: Armenia’s June 7 parliamentary election is framed as a test for democracy versus autocracy, with Pashinian facing threats and escalating campaign rhetoric. Nagorno-Karabakh Rights: A newly released ICJ report says trials of Armenians in Baku fail fair-trial standards, while church leaders condemn alleged demolition of Armenian churches in Stepanakert. Economy Watch: Armenia’s economic activity eased to 6.6% in March, and inflation pressures continued. Azerbaijan in the spotlight: Azerbaijan’s WUF13 agenda keeps tying housing, resilience, and reintegration themes to its broader regional role.

World Urban Forum in Baku: Azerbaijan used WUF13 to push a clear message: rebuilding and transport corridors are now the engine of regional connectivity, with Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov linking rail, highways, energy and digital networks to stability and shared prosperity. Shusha Reconstruction: In the spotlight, Shusha’s revival continues—three new residential complexes (43 buildings, nearly 900 apartments) are under construction, while restoration work and resettlement are set to expand, including Turshsu this year. Diplomacy & Energy: President Ilham Aliyev met Slovakia’s environment deputy PM Tomáš Taraba, stressing Azerbaijan’s gas supply to 12 European countries and the potential to increase it. Local Governance & Law: Aliyev approved Labor Code amendments raising employer responsibility to prevent hiring drug addicts in restricted roles. Trade & Daily Life: Tea imports into Azerbaijan fell 25% in the first four months of 2026, according to customs data. Regional Signals: Azerbaijan’s ambassador to Turkey says the Turkey-Armenia border could open after Armenia’s June 7 vote and constitutional changes.

World Urban Forum in Baku: Azerbaijan’s WUF13 keeps stealing the spotlight, with leaders and ministers pushing a clear message: cities are judged by safety and dignity for the most vulnerable, not by skyscrapers or speeches. President Iliana Iotova said housing and protection must sit at the center of urban policy, while Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz pledged a $2bn people-centred programme in Pakistan focused on affordable shelter, water, sanitation and resilience. Diplomacy & deals: Georgia and Azerbaijan signed a package of energy and transport agreements in Baku, including a 20-year gas supply deal and steps to restart passenger rail between Tbilisi and Baku from May 26. Regional politics: Armenia’s PM Nikol Pashinyan signaled more territorial concessions ahead of June 7 elections, while Iran seized assets of 129 people accused of working with US-Israeli networks. Energy security: Japan is exploring emergency jet-fuel and petroleum product cooperation with South Korea as Middle East instability strains supplies. Local angle: Azerbaijan’s pavilion at Urban Expo is now open to visitors, showcasing smart city and reconstruction projects.

World Urban Forum momentum: Azerbaijan’s WUF13 is driving a packed diplomacy-and-policy week in Baku, with leaders using the platform to push housing, resilience and climate-ready cities. Georgia-Azerbaijan connectivity: Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze met President Ilham Aliyev, with a package of energy and transport deals signed—most notably a 20-year gas agreement extension and the return of daily passenger rail between Tbilisi and Baku from May 26 after a six-year break. Energy diversification: Slovakia’s Deputy PM Tomáš Taraba said Bratislava is negotiating a minimum 10-year gas supply contract with Azerbaijan, focusing on how to deliver fuel to Central Europe. Azerbaijan-Türkiye reconstruction showcase: Türkiye highlighted the “Azerbaijan neighborhood” project in Kahramanmaraş at WUF13, presenting it as a model of resilient post-earthquake rebuilding. C-UAS and security debate: A separate WUF-adjacent briefing warned drone warfare is outpacing defenses, pushing demand for cost-effective counter-drone systems. Human rights pressure: Investigative journalist Hafiz Babali and economist Fazil Gasimov began a hunger strike on WUF13 opening day, calling for the release of political prisoners.

World Urban Forum in Baku: The 13th UN World Urban Forum opened in the Azerbaijani capital under the theme “Housing the World: Safe and Resilient Cities and Communities,” with 32,000+ participants from nearly 180 countries and a packed agenda on the global housing crisis, climate-resilient cities, and smart urban governance. High-level diplomacy: President Ilham Aliyev met visiting leaders including Serbia’s Aleksandar Vučić and Bulgaria’s Iliana Iotova, while Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif arrived in Baku for talks and memorial visits. Regional ties: Azerbaijan and Saudi officials discussed cooperation on urban planning and smart city management on WUF13 sidelines. Environment watch: New reporting says the Caspian Sea is shrinking, with satellite-linked research pointing to long-term water-level decline since the mid-1990s. Sports: Azerbaijan also picked up momentum at the week’s events, winning two U17 wrestling medals.

World Urban Forum diplomacy in Baku: President Ilham Aliyev kept a packed schedule on May 17, welcoming leaders and delegations including Kenya’s William Ruto, Pakistan’s Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Eswatini’s King Mswati III, Turkmenistan’s Arkadag construction chief, and Serbia’s Aleksandar Vučić—while also congratulating Kazakhstan’s Tokayev and literary figure Olzhas Suleimenov. Renewables and energy signals: Azerbaijan said renewable power’s share could jump sharply as solar and wind projects expand, and AZAL resumed Baku–Nakhchivan flights after weather delays; Turkey also received Azerbaijan as its second-largest gas supplier in March. Housing and utilities at WUF13: UN-Habitat highlighted utilities as a new stakeholder group, as WUF13 sessions push safe, resilient cities and affordable housing. Business and regional links: A US–Turkic Business Alliance was launched in New York, and Azerbaijan’s non-oil exports reportedly rose 13% in early 2026. Travel and markets: Eid travel promos point to Azerbaijan as a budget option, while ING expects a large current-account surplus if oil prices stay high.

World Urban Forum in Baku: UN-Habitat’s WUF13 is set to open in Azerbaijan today (May 17-22), with Azerbaijan chairing a ministerial meeting on the New Urban Agenda and a full slate of assemblies on housing, local governments, civil society and business—while UN-Habitat says registrations have topped 40,000 from 180+ countries. Pakistan’s Housing Spotlight: Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz arrives in Baku to represent Pakistan at WUF13 and will pitch her province’s affordable housing model “Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar” at the World Leaders Summit. Turkic Civil Society Push: Azerbaijan hosts the 2nd Solidarity Forum of NGOs of OTS member states, with talks on joint grant competitions and NGO “Track 2” diplomacy. Karabakh Reconstruction Continues: Another relocation convoy delivers house keys to Shukurbeyli in Jabrayil, alongside ongoing work on a 150-bed hospital complex. Eurovision Noise, Not Azerbaijan: Bulgaria wins Eurovision 2026 in Vienna amid protests over Israel’s participation, while Azerbaijan-related Eurovision mentions continue to circulate online.

Rebuilding in Kalbajar: Azerbaijan plans to settle 855 families in Zar village, with 547 families to move in first, alongside new school, kindergarten, and modern streets and lighting. Seismic safety: A deputy emergency situations minister says urban planning in Azerbaijan’s earthquake-prone areas must meet sustainability and resilience standards. Karabakh returns continue: Another relocation convoy reached Jabrayil’s Shukurbeyli, handing keys to 107 families (453 people), while 18 more families (77 people) received keys in the latest Shukurbeyli batch; in Khojaly district, multiple villages received apartment keys for dozens of families. Health infrastructure: Construction is underway on a 150-bed Jabrayil hospital complex (4.6 hectares), with completion targeted for 2027. WUF13 momentum: Baku is hosting the 2nd Solidarity Forum of OTS NGOs, with calls for joint Turkic grant competitions, as preparations for the World Urban Forum intensify. Remembering the missing: Missing First Karabakh war martyrs Rafig Jafarov and two others were laid to rest in Fuzuli.

WUF13 Logistics Kickoff: Heydar Aliyev International Airport is switching to an enhanced operational mode for the World Urban Forum (15–25 May), with 24/7 shuttle buses and dedicated city routes to keep delegates moving smoothly between hubs and venues. Transport & Corridor Moves: TRACECA is pushing a major step toward faster transit as Azerbaijan and partners sign the TRACECA Single Transit Permit, shifting paperwork to a digital system to cut time and costs for carriers. Energy & Industry: BP says it is advancing Azerbaijan gas recovery plans tied to the Caspian’s ACG and Shah Deniz assets, aiming to boost output from deep non-associated reserves. Regional Diplomacy: At the OTS informal summit in Turkistan, leaders including Azerbaijan’s Ilham Aliyev emphasized joint Turkic projects in space, AI, and digital integration. Culture in Shusha: The 9th Kharibulbul International Music Festival wrapped up in Shusha with mugham performances and a closing concert at Khan gizi Natavan’s palace.

Tech & Culture: Azercell kicked off the “Baku Flames” International Festival of Creativity and Effectiveness as Technology and Innovation Partner for the second year, with talks from Meta, Google and TikTok and an international jury set to name winners on day two. Energy & Business: SOCAR appointed Levan Davitashvili as CEO of Italiana Petroli after SOCAR completed its near-100% stake purchase, signaling deeper integration of the Italian firm into the SOCAR group. Regional Diplomacy: Azerbaijan’s Ilham Aliyev is in Kazakhstan for the OTS informal summit, where leaders backed Turkic unity, digital cooperation and the Trans-Caspian fiber-optic line expected to go live soon. Green Power Push: Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan advanced the Green Energy Corridor plan in Tashkent, aiming to expand cross-border clean electricity exports. Economy Watch: ING raised its Azerbaijan inflation outlook for 2026–2027, while Germany warned energy-route risks could slow growth. Eurovision: Azerbaijan’s JIVA (Jamila Hashimova) failed to qualify from the second semi-final with “Just Go.”

Eurovision Shockwave: Australia’s Delta Goodrem booked her spot in the Eurovision 2026 final after a standout “Eclipse” performance in Vienna—while Azerbaijan’s act was eliminated in the second semi-final, along with Armenia, Switzerland, Luxembourg and Latvia. Karabakh Revival: Shushakend in Khojaly is entering a new restoration phase, with power, water, gas, communications and road works moving ahead. Relocation Continues: In Jabrayil’s Shukurbeyli, keys were handed to relocated families, and in Zangilan, 59 families (235 people) received apartments as the “Great Return” program rolls on. Global South Push: Baku hosted the first General Assembly of the Global South NGO Platform, with UN and Azerbaijani officials stressing solidarity, climate resilience and civil society’s role in shaping solutions. Oil & Finance: Azerbaijani oil is trading above $115, while the banking sector allocated AZN 371 mln to green projects last year and approved new rough diamond control rules.