AGP Executive Report

WUF13 Spotlight: Azerbaijan’s World Urban Forum in Baku is in full swing, with President Ilham Aliyev telling Euronews that hosting 182 countries (over 40,000 participants) is a chance to show what’s been done and learn from partners, stressing the need to balance heritage preservation with modern city-making. Urban Culture Meets Policy: The Azerbaijan National Art Museum’s director says art doesn’t just mirror urban change—it helps shape city identity, while the “From Micro Art to Architecture” exhibition turns national motifs and applied arts into a planning blueprint for future urban symbols. Shusha Revival: Reconstruction continues in Shusha, with plans moving toward a new Victory Museum, alongside a new kindergarten and a mosque expected to open soon. Regional Energy Push: Georgia and Azerbaijan signed energy and transit deals in Baku, including gas, electricity, pipeline revival, and railway rehabilitation—aimed at strengthening the Middle Corridor. Sports & Youth: Azerbaijan’s table tennis team heads to Andijan after WTT Youth Contender medals in Tashkent.

World Urban Forum in Baku: The 13th World Urban Forum opened with Ilham Aliyev welcoming a record crowd—45,000+ participants from 182 countries—and a “Baku Call to Action” set for the Leaders’ Summit. Azerbaijan Pavilion: Visitors can now tour a 1,500 sq m Azerbaijan pavilion at Urban Expo, built around a Heydar Aliyev Centre-inspired design and showcasing Icherisheher heritage, reconstruction in Karabakh and Eastern Zangazur, and “smart city/smart village” projects plus VR, masterclasses, and cultural zones. Flooding at the venue: Heavy rain reportedly flooded streets and the Olympic Stadium courtyard, with participants wading through water—no official statement yet, though organizers point to climate change. Regional diplomacy: Serbia’s Vucic met Kenya’s Ruto in Baku, discussing economic cooperation and Kosovo; Uzbekistan’s Mirziyoyev also met Vucic on trade, industry, energy, and corridors. Culture & society: A WUF13 anti-doping conference for women and girls ran alongside new cultural programming, while a separate report links smartphone growth to falling fertility rates. Politics under pressure: Journalists Hafiz Babali and economist Fazil Gasimov began a hunger strike on WUF13’s opening day, calling for political prisoners’ release.

World Urban Forum momentum: WUF13 in Baku is drawing global attention fast—over 40,000 participants from 182 countries, with major sessions on housing, resilience, and the private sector’s role in delivering safe homes. Culture meets policy: Azerbaijan’s cultural program is running alongside the talks, from the National Art Museum’s “Chronicle of the City of Winds” exhibition to Khatai Arts Center’s “Days of Azerbaijani Music in Fine Arts,” while President Ilham Aliyev tied the country’s ancient heritage to the forum’s future-facing agenda. Sport with a social edge: WUF13 also hosted an international conference on inclusive anti-doping approaches for women and girls, and Azerbaijani judokas added medals from Russia. Human rights pressure: On opening day, journalist Hafiz Babali and economist Fazil Gasimov began a hunger strike, calling for international attention to political prisoners. Local challenge spotlight: Economists warn of a graduate glut—too many humanities-trained jobseekers for available openings—fueling underemployment or emigration.

World Urban Forum in Baku: WUF13 is now in full swing at the Baku Olympic Stadium, drawing global media attention and tens of thousands of registrations, with Azerbaijan spotlighting urban planning, affordable housing, and sustainable city-making. Business Assembly Spotlight: A Business Assembly session focused on how private capital can help deliver housing “across the value chain,” with UN-Habitat and industry leaders warning that climate resilience must be built into housing—not added later. Pakistan’s Housing Pitch: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif arrived in Baku to represent Pakistan, meet Ilham Aliyev, and present Punjab’s “Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar” affordable housing model to international leaders. Diplomacy in Motion: Ilham Aliyev also met the UAE’s energy and infrastructure minister, underscoring Azerbaijan’s active regional engagement as WUF13 unfolds. Arts & Culture Pulse: Alongside the policy spotlight, Azerbaijan’s cultural presence continues to travel—while Eurovision chatter and other entertainment items fill the wider news stream.

WUF13 Momentum in Baku: A Business Assembly kicked off as part of the 13th UN World Urban Forum, with a focus on how private capital can help solve the housing crisis and reshape the housing value chain—while Azerbaijan ramps up logistics for a record-sized gathering. High-Level Visits: Pakistan’s Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif arrived in Baku to represent Pakistan at WUF13 and is set to meet President Ilham Aliyev, bringing Punjab’s affordable housing model “Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar” to the world stage. Diplomatic Run-Up: Briefings for the diplomatic corps at Baku Olympic Stadium covered security, reception, transport, and press accreditation as registrations reportedly topped 40,000 from 182 countries. Regional Spotlight: Turkey’s Erdoğan is set to chair a Cabinet meeting in Ankara on “terror-free Türkiye” and economic priorities, while Eurovision’s latest drama continues to ripple across Europe.

World Urban Forum in Baku: Pakistan’s Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has arrived in Azerbaijan to represent her country at WUF13, with meetings planned including a May 17 session with President Ilham Aliyev and a keynote at the Baku Olympic Stadium. She will pitch Punjab’s affordable housing model “Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar” to global leaders as the forum runs May 17–20. Eurovision aftershocks: While WUF13 ramps up in Baku, Eurovision’s 70th Grand Final in Vienna crowned Bulgaria’s Dara (“Bangaranga”) in a week marked by protests over Israel’s participation—Israel finished second, and the contest’s politics stayed front and center. Security & logistics build-up: Azerbaijan is briefing diplomats and accredited guests on WUF13 protocol, accreditation, transport, and airport operations as registrations reportedly top 40,000 from 182 countries.

World Urban Forum in Baku: Azerbaijan is in full WUF13 mode. Senior MES officials have set up a dedicated headquarters and working groups, with an action plan covering fire, technical, construction and radiation safety, plus monitoring, public awareness and rapid-response readiness as the forum opens in the city. Diplomatic Run-Up: A briefing in Baku for diplomats and visiting delegations laid out the official program, security, reception and transport, press accreditation rules, and airport operations—while organizers say more than 40,000 participants from 182 countries are already registered. Culture Spotlight: Shusha’s Kharibulbul festival wrapped up with mugham and a “Garabagh” finale, while Istanbul’s Ethnosport festival is set to bring traditional sports and performances from across the Turkic world. Film Industry: Azerbaijan’s Filmmakers Union chair race has two candidates—Shafiga Mammadova and Ali Isa Jabbarov—ahead of the May 26 congress. Eurovision Buzz: Azerbaijan’s entry JIVA qualified for the second semi-final, as Vienna’s grand final nears amid ongoing Israel-related controversy.

Eurovision 70th Anniversary in Vienna: The 2026 grand final is set for Saturday, May 16, after a tense, geopolitics-heavy week marked by boycotts over Israel’s participation and a long history of political fallout for the contest. Azerbaijan in the spotlight: Azerbaijan’s Eurovision act, JIVA (Jamila Hashimova), performed in the second semi-final with “Just Go,” while the wider Azerbaijan cultural scene keeps moving—Shusha’s Kharibulbul festival just wrapped, featuring mugham and a “Garabagh” finale. Regional diplomacy: Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev’s social media posts highlighted a working visit to Kazakhstan and remarks at the OTS informal summit, where Turkish media stressed the growing role of the Turkic bloc and the Middle Corridor. Arts & cities: Ahead of WUF13 in Baku, the World Urban Forum’s Urban Expo is gearing up to turn the Baku Olympic Stadium into a housing-and-sustainability showcase, with an “Architecture in Carpets” exhibition due to open at the National Carpet Museum.

Festival Spotlight: Azercell has kicked off the “Baku Flames” International Festival of Creativity and Effectiveness as Technology and Innovation Partner for the second year running, with May 15–16 programming featuring global speakers from Meta, Google and TikTok and projects judged by an international jury. Energy Leadership: SOCAR has appointed Levan Davitashvili as CEO of Italiana Petroli after completing its near-total stake acquisition, signaling tighter integration into the SOCAR group. Eurovision Culture: Azerbaijan’s JIVA (Jamila Hashimova) performed “Just Go” in the Eurovision 2026 second semi-final, but the country did not qualify; the final lineup was set after Thursday’s results, with Bulgaria’s DARA and Australia’s Delta Goodrem among those advancing. Arts & Heritage: “Architecture in Carpets” is set to open May 17 at the Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum, linking architectural motifs to carpet art and debuting new works including Jamila Hashimova’s “Road.” Sports: Azerbaijan’s U-17 wrestler Khadija Gurbanzade won silver at the European Championship in Bulgaria.

Eurovision Shockwave: Delta Goodrem’s “Eclipse” has sent Australia into the Eurovision 2026 grand final in Vienna, but the bigger story for Azerbaijan is what didn’t happen—JIVA was eliminated in the second semi-final, joining Armenia, Luxembourg, Switzerland and Latvia among the exits. Defense & Information Cooperation: In Minsk, Azerbaijan and Belarus military media representatives met to exchange strategic communications know-how and counter disinformation. Arts & Heritage in Motion: Shusha kicked off the 9th “Kharibulbul” International Music Festival, while Istanbul opened an Azerbaijani carpets exhibition, and Baku prepares WUF13-linked programming like “Voice of the City” and “Architecture in Carpets.” Regional Cultural Diplomacy: Slovakia’s parliament speaker Richard Raši says relations with Azerbaijan are at their highest level, with talks on energy security and a “smart village” project. Cinema Spotlight: Jackie Chan’s “Armor of God 4: Ultimatum” is set to film in Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan, underscoring the region’s growing pull for global productions.

Eurovision Spotlight: JIVA (Jamila Hashimova) will represent Azerbaijan in tonight’s Eurovision 2026 Second Semi-Final, performing as entry 02 and urging fans at home and abroad to vote for qualification. Cultural Life in Motion: D’ART Gallery opened Anna Ibrahimbayova’s solo photo show “The Eternity of a Moment”, part of “Homes Warmed by Love and Art,” while Shusha’s Kharibulbul International Music Festival kicked off with international performers joining Azerbaijani artists. Urban Futures: Baku’s WUF13 public festival wrapped with interactive talks on sustainable, inclusive city living—turning big planning ideas into hands-on experiences. Arts, Fashion, and Identity: Gulnara Khalilova debuted an upcycling collection at Aspara Fashion Week, and the Kharibulbul program continues to build cultural dialogue through music. Energy Meets Business: SOCAR named Levan Davitashvili CEO of Italiana Petroli after its near-total share acquisition, signaling tighter integration into the SOCAR group.

Eurovision in Vienna: The second semi-final is underway, with Azerbaijan’s JIVA (“Just Go”) among the acts competing for Saturday’s final, while the UK’s Look Mum No Computer performs “Eins, Zwei, Drei” and Israel’s entry Noam Bettan drew boos in the first semi-final. WUF13 momentum in Baku: The World Urban Forum festival program wrapped up near the Clock Tower, and media and NGOs toured Baku Olympic Stadium ahead of May 17–22. Local finance: ABB Bank bond subscriptions closed with demand over three times the offered volume. Media freedom pressure: Azerbaijan imposed a travel ban on the mother of jailed journalist Aytaj Ahmadova (Tapdig), and separate reporting says journalist Nurlan Libre was beaten in detention. Energy diplomacy: Uzbekistan’s president met SOCAR and BP leadership to discuss cooperation, including SOCAR’s planned Uzbekistan office. Regional politics: Turkey says preparations for direct trade with Armenia are complete, even as border-opening steps continue.

WUF13 Countdown in Baku: Media teams toured Baku Olympic Stadium as preparations ramp up for World Urban Forum 13, themed “Housing the world: Safe and resilient cities and communities” (May 17–22), with organizers briefing on a 53-hectare operational setup, major ceremony capacity, and expanded transport, security, and visitor services. Eco-Art Meets Urban Resilience: Ahead of the forum, Baku’s Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum hosted the “Eco-Art” Festival, linking environmental thinking with culture and creativity through university and public-sector collaboration. Shusha Music Spotlight: The Kharibulbul International Music Festival opens May 14 in Shusha, with rehearsals already underway and a program mixing Azerbaijani performers with invited groups from several countries. Eurovision Tensions Spill Over: Vienna’s Eurovision semi-final coverage is drawing backlash over both technical glitches and politicized crowd moments, while Azerbaijan’s entry heads into the next rehearsal cycle. Diplomacy and Culture: President Ilham Aliyev met Slovakia’s National Council Speaker Richard Raši, highlighting interparliamentary ties and referencing Shusha and restoration efforts. Sports Finish Line: The Azerbaijan Cup final is set for May 13, with “Sabah” facing “Zira” at Palms Sports Arena.

World Urban Forum momentum: President Ilham Aliyev toured Baku Olympic Stadium to review preparations for WUF13, themed “Housing the world: Safe and resilient cities and communities,” with officials briefing on a 53-hectare operational setup covering sessions, exhibitions, media, transport and VIP zones. Diplomacy by phone: Azerbaijan and Pakistan reaffirmed their strategic partnership as PM Shehbaz Sharif called Aliyev, praising Pakistan’s mediation on a Middle East ceasefire and flagging strong participation in WUF13. Wellness ties: India’s ambassador visited Azerbaijan’s Ayurveda Centre in Shabran, discussing training, outreach and wellness tourism links. Eurovision noise, not just music: Vienna’s Eurovision security build-up and a BBC graphics change in semi-final 1 sparked fan backlash, while Ireland’s RTÉ is airing a “Father Ted” Eurovision-themed episode amid boycott controversy. Diaspora in court: A Russian court sentenced Azerbaijani diaspora leader Shahin Shikhlinski and his son over violence against an official. Arts spotlight: A short film, “Marytale. Inclusive Miracles,” featuring children with Down syndrome, received a certificate at Italy’s Rome Prisma Film Awards.

Peace Roundtable: A Media Development Agency discussion in Baku put President Ilham Aliyev’s peace strategy at the center, with former FM Tofig Zulfugarov arguing Azerbaijan resolved the Garabagh issue in 44 days after decades of failed mediation. WUF13 in Focus: President Aliyev reviewed preparations for World Urban Forum 13 at the Baku Olympic Stadium, where the venue plan covers sessions, exhibitions, media services, and high-level delegation areas ahead of May 17–22. Cultural Spotlight: The Azerbaijan State Academic Musical Theater closed its season by wrapping up the “Pillə 4” student theater festival, while Stockholm hosted multiple Heydar Aliyev anniversary tributes, including a classical concert blending Azerbaijani and European music. Arts & Ideas: New York-based illustrator Rustam Guliyev is building science-driven fantasy for children, and an “Eco-Art” festival at Baku’s carpet museum ties environmental thinking to WUF13. Opposition Under Pressure: Jailed opposition leader Ali Karimli was denied permission to attend his father’s funeral, with lawyers awaiting a wake visit. Eurovision Buzz: Vienna’s Eurovision semi-finals begin May 12, with running orders published and boycott tensions spilling into media coverage.

Zangilan spotlight: President Ilham Aliyev’s remarks during a visit to the first residential complex in Zangilan are getting heavy international pickup, with Russian outlets framing his EU-border criticism as “empty talk” while emphasizing Baku’s claim it can secure the South Caucasus independently. Eurovision politics: In Vienna, Azerbaijan’s JIVA and other acts are largely dodging questions about the Netherlands-led boycott over Israel’s participation; five countries are absent, and the contest’s tension is spilling into interviews and staging. Energy shock: Oil prices jumped nearly 3% after Trump said the Iran ceasefire is “on life support,” keeping the Strait of Hormuz tight and talks uncertain. Armenia campaign heat: Nikol Pashinyan doubled down on his “Karabakh was not ours” line as Armenia’s election season kicks off, while the wider debate stays locked on peace versus security. Arts & culture: BITEI 2026 in Chișinău (May 21–31) brings performers from 11 countries, including Azerbaijan, under a freedom-themed motto. Design ties: “Invision Design Talks 2” highlights growing Azerbaijan–Türkiye cooperation, with AI already used in some local architecture work.