AGP Executive Report

World Urban Forum Momentum: Azerbaijan used WUF13 to push a clear message: cities and transport corridors are the backbone of regional connectivity, with Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov linking reconstruction to “smart governance,” green energy and human-centered planning. Shusha Reconstruction Push: In Shusha, new housing is moving fast—three residential complexes (43 buildings, nearly 900 apartments) are under construction, with commissioning slated for next year’s first half, while restoration and resettlement plans also target Turshsu and the tourism-focused Dashalti village. International Partnerships: Azerbaijan signed a Shusha–Trabzon sister-city MoU at WUF13 and hosted talks with Slovakia’s environment deputy PM, with Aliyev stressing gas supplies to 12 European countries. Labor Law Update: Aliyev approved amendments raising employer responsibility to prevent hiring drug addicts, including mandatory medical checks and contract termination if addiction is found. Trade Snapshot: Azerbaijan–Georgia trade hit $451.2m in the first four months of 2026, making Azerbaijan Georgia’s third-largest export partner.

World Urban Forum in Baku: Azerbaijan’s WUF13 keeps pulling world leaders and big ideas into the spotlight, with President Iliana Iotova stressing that cities should be judged by whether the most vulnerable have safety and dignity—not by skyscrapers or tech. People-first housing push: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif told the summit her province is rolling out a $2bn urban development programme focused on roads, drainage, water storage, and resilience, alongside large-scale affordable housing and door-to-door socio-economic data. Regional deals with Georgia: Azerbaijan and Georgia signed a package on energy and transport, including a 20-year gas supply deal and steps to restart passenger rail between Tbilisi and Baku from May 26, plus renewed oil transit plans via the Baku-Supsa pipeline. Baku’s expo spotlight: Azerbaijan’s pavilion at Urban Expo opened to visitors, showcasing smart city and smart village plans for liberated territories and green energy ambitions. Diplomacy at the summit: Serbia’s Vucic met Kenya’s Ruto in Baku, discussing economic cooperation and the Kosovo issue.

WUF13 Diplomacy in Motion: Azerbaijan’s World Urban Forum is driving fresh regional deals, with Georgia and Azerbaijan agreeing to extend their gas purchase-and-sale framework for 20 years and to restart daily passenger rail between Tbilisi and Baku from May 26 after a six-year pause. Energy Partnerships: Slovakia is reportedly negotiating a minimum 10-year gas supply contract with Azerbaijan as it tries to cut reliance on Russian gas, while Azerbaijan and Türkiye also signed a cooperation agreement on energy efficiency in buildings. Security Drills: In the “EFES-2026” exercise, a task to seize an imaginary vessel was completed successfully. Housing & Resilience Focus: WUF13 panels spotlight climate and housing sustainability from a gender perspective and the role of Turkic “houses” in urban resilience. Human Rights Pressure: Investigative journalist Hafiz Babali and economist Fazil Gasimov have begun a hunger strike, calling for the release of political prisoners.

World Urban Forum in Baku: The 13th UN World Urban Forum opened in Azerbaijan under “Housing the World: Safe and Resilient Cities and Communities,” with more than 32,000 participants from nearly 180 countries debating the housing crisis, climate-resilient cities, and how local governments can lead solutions. High-level diplomacy at WUF13: President Ilham Aliyev met visiting leaders including Pakistan’s Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Serbia’s Aleksandar Vučić, Bulgaria’s Iliana Iotova, and UAE energy minister Suhail Al Mazrouei, while Azerbaijan also welcomed Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev for a working visit tied to the forum. Water and climate pressure: A new report warns the Caspian Sea is shrinking fast, with falling levels already reshaping Azerbaijan’s coastline and ecosystems. Regional ties and trade: Serbia pushed for a major jump in trade with Azerbaijan, while discussions also highlighted energy and renewable cooperation. Sports: Azerbaijan added two U17 wrestling medals as the week’s competition wrapped up.

World Urban Forum momentum in Baku: Azerbaijan’s WUF13 is in full swing, with the UN flag and Azerbaijan’s state flag raised at the Baku Olympic Stadium as leaders and ministers converge on “Housing the World: Safe and Resilient Cities and Communities.” High-level diplomacy: President Ilham Aliyev held fresh talks with Kenya’s William Ruto on energy, investment and renewable power, met Pakistan’s Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, received Eswatini’s King Mswati III, and welcomed Turkmenistan’s Arkadag construction chief—while Serbia’s Aleksandar Vučić arrived to join the forum. Energy & climate focus: Azerbaijan says renewable energy’s share could jump sharply as solar and wind projects expand, and WUF13 also elevated utilities as a formal stakeholder group for the first time. Regional business push: The US–Turkic Republics Business Alliance was launched in New York, aiming to connect Turkic entrepreneurs with US partners and investments. Azerbaijan economy signal: ING estimates Azerbaijan’s current account surplus could reach 9–10% of GDP in 2026 amid higher oil prices.

World Urban Forum in Baku: The 13th World Urban Forum (WUF13) is set to open in Azerbaijan on May 17-22, with UN-Habitat leadership welcoming the world and Azerbaijan preparing a full program focused on housing, resilient cities, and practical urban solutions. Pakistan’s housing showcase: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif arrived in Baku to represent Pakistan, meet President Ilham Aliyev, and present Punjab’s affordable housing model “Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar” at the World Leaders Summit. Turkic civil society momentum: Azerbaijan also kicked off the 2nd Solidarity Forum of NGOs of OTS member states in Baku, with cooperation forums planned for Azerbaijan-Kyrgyzstan, Azerbaijan-Turkmenistan, and Azerbaijan-TRNC. Local delivery on the ground: Meanwhile, relocation continues—new convoys are bringing families to Jabrayil’s Shukurbeyli and Khojaly district villages with house keys, alongside ongoing reconstruction including a 150-bed hospital complex. Regional context: Azerbaijan’s WUF13 push follows COP29 and is being framed as a bridge between climate action and sustainable urban planning.

Relocations in Jabrayil and Khojaly: Another convoy reached Shukurbeyli in Jabrayil, with keys handed to 18 families (77 people), while earlier arrivals brought 107 families (453 people) to the village; in Khojaly district, families received apartment keys across Badara, Tazabina, Khanabad, Ballija, Khanyurdu and Dashbulag. Health infrastructure in the liberated territories: Work continues on a 150-bed Jabrayil Central Hospital complex (4.6 hectares), with completion targeted for 2027–2028. Karabakh war remains laid to rest: Missing First Karabakh War servicemen Rafig Jafarov, plus two others, were buried in Fuzuli in ceremonies attended by families and officials. WUF13 momentum in Baku: Preparations are in full swing for the World Urban Forum, with transport and safety planning ramping up as the event draws global attention. OTS civil-society push: Azerbaijan hosted the 2nd Solidarity Forum of NGOs of OTS member states, including plans for joint grant competitions.

WUF13 Logistics Boost: Heydar Aliyev International Airport will run in an enhanced operational mode from May 15–25, with extra coordination on passenger services and security, plus 24/7 airport shuttle buses and dedicated city routes to keep World Urban Forum delegates moving smoothly. Regional Trade Digitalization: Azerbaijan is among TRACECA members pushing the TRACECA Single Transit Permit, a shift from paper permits to one electronic authorization to cut time and costs for carriers. Energy Push: BP says it is advancing Azerbaijan gas output plans—developing deep non-associated gas at ACG and maximizing recovery at Shah Deniz. Transport Disruption: A canal bridge collapse on the Baku–Alat–Gazakh–Georgia highway (km 55) has restricted traffic toward Baku between km 54–56 while repairs are assessed. Eurovision Spotlight: Azerbaijan failed to qualify for the 2026 Grand Final in Vienna, as the contest’s geopolitics and boycotts continue to shape the lineup.

Tech & Creativity: Azercell kicked off the “Baku Flames” festival as Technology and Innovation Partner, with international speakers from Meta, Google and TikTok and winners set to be announced on the second day. Energy & Business: SOCAR appointed Levan Davitashvili as CEO of Italiana Petroli after taking a 99.82% stake, while ING slightly lifted its Azerbaijan inflation outlook for 2026–2027 to 5.4% and 5.2%. Regional Diplomacy: President Ilham Aliyev is in Kazakhstan for the OTS informal summit, pushing Turkic unity and digital cooperation, including plans for the Trans-Caspian fiber-optic line to go live soon. Green Transition: Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan advanced the Green Energy Corridor, aiming to expand renewable power links for clean electricity exports. Eurovision: Azerbaijan’s JIVA (Jamila Hashimova) performed in the second semi-final but did not qualify for the final. Trade & Food Security: Wheat continues moving to Armenia via transit through Azerbaijan, with another 14 railcars reported on the way.

Eurovision Shockwave: Australia’s Delta Goodrem booked her place in the Eurovision 2026 grand final after a standout “Eclipse” performance, while Azerbaijan’s entry was eliminated in the second semi-final as the final lineup was confirmed. Karabakh Reconstruction: Shushakend in Khojaly is entering a “new era of revival” with power, water, gas, roads and communications being restored, and Zangilan continues resettlement with families receiving apartment keys. Global South in Baku: Azerbaijan hosted the first General Assembly of the Global South NGO Platform under WUF13, adopting a final declaration and framework for the group’s next five years. Green Finance & Diamonds: Azerbaijan’s banking sector allocated AZN 371 mln to green and sustainable projects in 2025, and new cabinet rules tighten rough diamond control and certification. Oil Watch: Azeri Light is trading above $115 as OPEC updates demand and non-OPEC+ supply forecasts.

Karabakh Prison Protest: Former Karabakh leader Davit Babayan says his appeal against life imprisonment “disappeared,” calling it an ethno-political vendetta and urging Armenians to back an international court fight. Eurovision Spotlight: JIVA will represent Azerbaijan in tonight’s Eurovision second semifinal, performing as entry No. 02, with broadcasters urging votes from Azerbaijanis abroad and fans worldwide. Energy Deals: Serbia’s energy minister says basic terms for a gas-fired power plant near Nis have been agreed with SOCAR; meanwhile, Uzbekistan’s Energy Week saw Mirziyoyev meet SOCAR and BP to expand Ustyurt cooperation and open a SOCAR office in Uzbekistan. Cybersecurity Alert: Bitdefender reports China-linked FamousSparrow targeted an Azerbaijani oil-and-gas firm via Microsoft Exchange exploitation and backdoors across multiple waves. Governance & Green Push: Azerbaijan created a State Agency for Waste Management and says its banking sector aims to mobilize 2 billion manats in green finance by 2030. Culture & Cities: WUF13 wraps with a Baku public festival on sustainable urban living, while a new photo exhibition opens at D’ART Gallery.

Eurovision Spotlight: Azerbaijan is set to perform in Semi-Final 2 as Look Mum No Computer takes the UK stage, while Israel’s entry Noam Bettan drew boos in Semi-Final 1 amid boycott calls. Azerbaijan–Slovakia Ties: Slovakia’s parliament speaker Richard Raši says direct flights between Bratislava and Baku will start in October, with Slovak firms involved in Karabakh reconstruction. Sports & Culture: Sabah FK won the Azerbaijan Cup with a late goal, and Azerbaijan’s U-17 Greco-Roman wrestlers added medals at the European Championships. Finance & Development: Azerbaijan’s Central Bank met the ADB to discuss reforms, green finance, and joint initiatives to strengthen the financial sector. Energy & Regional Links: SOCAR and BP talks in Uzbekistan highlighted new energy projects and exploration cooperation. Public Life: Azerbaijan declared 2026 the “Year of Urban Planning and Architecture” ahead of WUF13 in Baku. Ongoing Security/Justice: India’s Prabhdeep Singh was extradited from Azerbaijan and granted custody in Delhi in a major drug case.

World Urban Forum countdown: Media toured Baku Olympic Stadium as WUF13 gears up for May 17–22, with the venue mapped across 53 hectares and a main hall built for up to 6,000 guests. Caspian energy push: BP is moving ahead with a Karabagh offshore support plan—its Bandovan bundle-manufacturing facility is set to start construction in Q3 2026, aiming to speed up subsea installation work. Regional trade momentum: Azerbaijan-linked logistics keep expanding—45,000 tons of cargo have already moved to Armenia via Azerbaijan, with a target of about 100,000 tons. Azerbaijan’s cultural spotlight: “Screen International” put Azerbaijan’s film incentives in focus, highlighting a cash rebate system that can return up to 40% of eligible production costs. Cybersecurity watch: A China-linked “FamousSparrow” group was reported targeting an Azerbaijan oil-and-gas firm, underscoring how the South Caucasus remains a key energy corridor. Diplomacy & people-to-people: Azerbaijan’s consular talks with Türkiye continued in Ankara, while an ICESCO conference in Kazan saw an Azerbaijani delegation join discussions on culture and humanitarian cooperation.

Eurovision Buzz: Vienna’s Eurovision Semi-Final 2 delivered drama and surprises, with fans fuming over a major on-screen results change that replaced performers’ reactions with country names. WUF13 Watch: President Ilham Aliyev toured preparations for the World Urban Forum at Baku Olympic Stadium, as the housing-focused event gears up for May 17–22. Energy & Industry: BP says it will start building a Karabagh offshore pipeline-bundle manufacturing facility in Q3 2026 near Alat, with construction running into early 2028. Economy: Azerbaijan reported GDP of 39.9bn manats for Jan–Apr 2026 (+0.2%); external public debt fell 7.8% to $4.68bn. Transport & Trade: Baku Port will add the “Gadamly” vessel to boost container traffic on the Baku–Turkmenbashi route, while Tehran–Baku flights rise to twice weekly. Security & Health: ANAMA disclosed mine/UXO findings in liberated areas; WHO says hantavirus spread risk remains low. Local Governance: Azerbaijan’s parliament approved renaming three villages in Guba.

Energy Deals: Azerbaijan and bp signed new agreements on energy cooperation, with PM Ali Asadov meeting bp’s new CEO Meg O’Neill as two memorandums cover high-performance computing support for Azerbaijan’s digital economy and expanded long-term energy ties with SOCAR. Oil & Gas Signals: Azeri Light rose to about $110.48 a barrel on world markets, while a tanker carrying Azerbaijani oil reached Japan—part of Japan’s push to diversify supplies amid Hormuz-linked shipping worries; meanwhile, the government set an annual gas consumption limit for large users at 300 million cubic meters and approved a slight slowdown in consumer price growth. Health Watch: Azerbaijan’s Health Ministry says hantavirus risk to the public remains low, citing stable epidemiological conditions and lab capacity if needed. Peace & Stability Messaging: Aliyev reiterated that pressure during the Second Garabagh War “yielded no results,” and a MEDIA roundtable promoted his peace strategy as a guarantee of stability. Reconstruction & Society: Another phase of the “Great Return” moved 18 families to Khojavend, as Aliyev reviewed WUF13 preparations at Baku Olympic Stadium.

Energy & Industry: BP says it will start building a Karabagh offshore “pipeline bundle” manufacturing facility in Bandovan near Alat in Q3 2026, with construction running into Q1 2028—aimed at speeding up subsea installations for the 120km-east Caspian field. Diplomacy & Security: Azerbaijan’s Defense Minister Zakir Hasanov begins an official visit to Slovakia, discussing military cooperation and signing a Book of Remembrance. Regional Politics: Azerbaijani officials and analysts keep pushing that Armenia can’t set fully independent policy, while Yerevan’s leadership continues to frame Karabakh as “not ours” amid election-season messaging. Border & EU Tensions: President Ilham Aliyev’s latest Zangilan remarks draw heavy Russian media attention, especially his criticism of EU border observers. Sports & Culture: Azerbaijan wins multiple European Championship medals (shooting and para-taekwondo), while Baku’s Eurovision buzz continues as Azerbaijan’s entry “Just Go” is spotlighted in international coverage. Tech & Cyber: Nvidia GeForce NOW says a breach tied to a regional partner affected data in Armenia, with the company stressing limited impact on its services.