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Monday, May 18, 2026
Azerbaijan's $10bn reconstruction drive finds global stage at WUF13

Azerbaijan's $10bn reconstruction drive finds global stage at WUF13

Azerbaijan is once again at the center of the global agenda, hosting the World Urban Forum (WUF13) in partnership with the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat). Held under the motto "Housing the World: Safe and Resilient Cities and Communities," this forum will feature some of the leading urban planning experts, governmental officials, international organizations, and representatives of academia and civil society to address the key problems in relation to the issues of urbanization that the world faces today. Gathering some of the best professionals in the field of urban planning in Baku, this high-profile forum is another proof of the rising importance of Azerbaijan's institutions on an international level after the success of COP29. And having just passed its first day, it looks like Baku will do just fine.

Nation
UN Secretary-General: World Urban Forum will serve as a catalyst for turning goals into reality

UN Secretary-General: World Urban Forum will serve as a catalyst for turning goals into reality

“I extend my greetings to WUF13 in Baku, held amid global crises, conflicts, and rising energy and food prices,” said UN Secretary-General António Guterres in a video message to participants during the opening ceremony of WUF13 in Baku, AzerNEWS reports.

Oil & Gas
Brent oil prices rise above $110 per barrel on ICE futures market

Brent oil prices rise above $110 per barrel on ICE futures market

Meanwhile, WTI crude oil futures for June delivery are also gaining. According to data from the NYMEX exchange, at 02:50 Baku time the price stood at $107.26 per barrel, up 1.75%.

Business
S&P places DavrBank on positive CreditWatch after ABB acquisition move

S&P places DavrBank on positive CreditWatch after ABB acquisition move

S&P Global Ratings has revised its assessment of Uzbekistan-based DavrBank following comments made by Abbas Ibrahimov, Chairman of the Management Board of the International Bank of Azerbaijan (ABB), regarding the bank.

Armenian-Azerbaijani Relations
Russian media targets Azerbaijan as South Caucasus edges towards peace

Russian media targets Azerbaijan as South Caucasus edges towards peace

At a time when the South Caucasus stands on the threshold of a fateful, historic milestone, certain Russian media resources and commissioned channels have launched a coordinated assault against Azerbaijan. The so-called anxieties being brought forward under the guise of "Armenian cultural heritage" in Karabakh neither serve culture nor represent a natural process. This is merely the next mechanism of pressure, instantly deployed by the Russian propaganda machine whenever a geopolitical turning point emerges in the region. The script is old, and the objective is clear.

World
Satellite images suggest Russia resumed military cargo deliveries to Syria

Satellite images suggest Russia resumed military cargo deliveries to Syria

Russia appears to have resumed the transfer of military cargo to Syria, according to satellite imagery analyzed by OSINT researchers, AzerNEWS reports.

Analysis

Lifestyle
National Art Museum presents vibrant exhibition within World Urban Forum [PHOTOS]

National Art Museum presents vibrant exhibition within World Urban Forum [PHOTOS]

The exhibition titled "Chronicle of the City of Winds: Baku in the Works of Artists from the 19th to 21st Centuries" has opened its doors at the Azerbaijan National Art Museum, AzerNEWS reports.

Culture
National Conservatory showcases classical and folk traditions in grand concert [PHOTOS]

National Conservatory showcases classical and folk traditions in grand concert [PHOTOS]

The Azerbaijan National Conservatory has presented a report concert titled "From Heritage to Modernity" at the State Academic Philharmonic Hall, AzerNEWS reports.

Travel
Azerbaijani pilgrims currently at Medina international airport

Azerbaijani pilgrims currently at Medina international airport
Second group of Azerbaijani pilgrims to depart for Hajj this month

Second group of Azerbaijani pilgrims to depart for Hajj this month
Astana celebrates Novruz with festive events and cultural celebrations [PHOTOS]

Astana celebrates Novruz with festive events and cultural celebrations [PHOTOS]
Albania’s impeccable hospitality and exuberant architecture

Albania’s impeccable hospitality and exuberant architecture
Experience charm of autumn season at Shahdag National Park

Experience charm of autumn season at Shahdag National Park
Georgian foreign travelers arrive in Shusha

Georgian foreign travelers arrive in Shusha

Events
WUF13 Festival promotes dialogue on future of urban living in Baku [PHOTOS]

WUF13 Festival promotes dialogue on future of urban living in Baku [PHOTOS]

The festival, organized to inform the Azerbaijani public about the Thirteenth Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13), has concluded with a large-scale evening program at Clock Tower Square on Baku’s Seaside Boulevard, drawing together visitors, AzerNEWS reports.

Sports
José Mourinho set for sensational return to Real Madrid until 2028

José Mourinho set for sensational return to Real Madrid until 2028

José Mourinho is set to become the new head coach of Spanish giants Real Madrid, with details of his expected contract now revealed, AzerNEWS reports.

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