Frequently Asked Questions - WUF13 Volunteers
What is the purpose of a WUF13 volunteer?
A WUF13 volunteer is a person who supports the smooth organization of the 13th session of the World Urban Forum. Volunteers assist different departments both during the preparation period and on the event days, helping tasks and operations to be carried out in a timely and proper manner.
What is WUF13?
WUF13 is the 13th session of the World Urban Forum organized by the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) and held every two years. It is one of the world's most important global conferences on sustainable urbanization.
WUF13 will take place in Baku from 17-22 May 2026, co-hosted by the Government of Azerbaijan and UN-Habitat. The Forum promotes global dialogue on the future of cities and creates a unique platform for cooperation among governments, international organizations, academia, the private sector, civil society, and youth.
The main goal of WUF13 is to discuss the impact of rapid urbanization on communities, cities, the economy, climate, and policies, and to encourage innovative solutions for creating safer, more sustainable, and more inclusive cities.
The first World Urban Forum was held in Nairobi, Kenya, in 2002 and has since become a major international platform for exchanging knowledge and experience on sustainable urban development.
What will volunteering for WUF13 add to my life?
Becoming a WUF13 volunteer is an opportunity to join the world's leading forum dedicated to sustainable urban development and to be at the center of a global exchange of ideas.
The program offers a friendly, dynamic, and international environment where you can make new friends, develop new skills, and connect with different cultures.
Volunteering is a unique experience for personal and professional growth. You will learn, contribute, and be part of the success of this significant international event in Azerbaijan.
Who can become a WUF13 volunteer?
Anyone who is 18 years old or older and can communicate fluently in English can apply to become a WUF13 volunteer.
Volunteers should be responsible, well-organized, and able to work in a team. They will support different departments during both the preparation phase and the event days.
Do I need a specific profession, qualification, or prior training to become a volunteer?
No specific qualification or prior training is required to participate as a WUF13 volunteer.
However, if you are studying or have experience in a field related to WUF13 topics-such as urban planning, sustainable development, environmental studies, or social issues-it is recommended to mention this in your application.
All necessary training and orientation will be provided by the WUF13 team.
How can I volunteer for WUF13?
To become a WUF13 volunteer in Azerbaijan, once the Volunteer Program is announced, you must:
- Complete the online application form on the website: volunteers.wuf13.az
- Successfully pass the selection process, including an interview and training.
Please follow our announcements for updates about the program.
What is the deadline for submitting my volunteer application?
The application deadline differs for local and international candidates:
- Local applicants (Azerbaijan residents): 10 December, 23:30 (Baku time)
- International applicants: 7 January, 18:00 (Baku time)
Applications submitted after these dates will not be considered.
Is there an age limit for applying as a volunteer?
Yes. Applicants must be 18 years old or older by 1 May 2026.
Who can I contact if I have questions while filling out the application form?
If you have any questions, you can contact our call center at +994 12 535 26 26 or send an email to volunteerssupport@wuf13.az.
Can someone who does not speak English participate in WUF13?
As many international guests will attend WUF13 and the event will be conducted mainly in English, volunteers are required to have fluent English communication skills.
I want to volunteer in a specific area. Is this possible? What should I do?
If you have a special skill or would like to volunteer in a specific area, please mention this during your interview. However, please note that your preference may not always be taken into account during selection.
Is it true that only students can be volunteers?
No. Not only students, but anyone who is 18 or older and has fluent English communication skills can apply.
Do I need previous volunteer experience to be selected?
Previous volunteer experience is not mandatory.
How will volunteers be selected?
The selection process consists of several stages, including:
- Review of the candidate's skills and suitability
- Interview stage
- Participation in training sessions
For some roles requiring specific skills, additional assessments may be conducted.
Is registration alone enough to become a volunteer?
No. Registration is only the first step. You must successfully complete the registration, go through the selection stages, attend the interview, and complete all required trainings.
Please note that both the interview and training stages are part of the selection process.
Can I apply together with my friend and work in the same team?
You may submit your applications together with your friends. However, there is no guarantee that you will be placed in the same team. We believe you will make many new friends during your volunteering experience.
Can I submit multiple applications to increase my chances?
No. All applications are checked for accuracy and duplication. Even if you submit more than one application, it will be considered as a single application.
In which areas are volunteers needed?
The main role of WUF13 volunteers will be to welcome guests, provide information, guide participants, and support the successful organization of the event in various locations.
Volunteers may be assigned to the following areas:
- Protocol
- Transport
- Guest Services
- Workforce Operations
- Venue Operations
- Airport Operations
- City Operations
- Medical Services
- Uniform Distribution
- Areas directly coordinated with UN-Habitat staff
- Media
- Information Technology, and other areas
When will I be informed if my application is successful?
You will receive notification via email and SMS once your application has been successfully submitted.
Is it possible to submit a paper (offline) application?
Unfortunately, all applications must be submitted online.
If you do not have regular access to a computer or mobile internet, you may ask someone to assist you. Please note that you must have a personal email address to apply as a volunteer.
What training will be provided? Will I receive a certificate?
A certificate will be awarded after the successful completion of volunteer duties, not for attending the training alone.
WUF13 volunteers will receive:
- General training
- Role-specific training
- Venue-specific training
These sessions are designed to help you perform your duties correctly, develop the required skills, and understand the overall workflow. Additional personal development sessions may also be provided.
Volunteers who successfully complete their tasks will receive a certificate after the event.
How long will the training last?
The duration of the training depends on the position assigned. Several sessions will be organized, each lasting approximately 2-3 hours.
Will WUF13 cover my travel, accommodation, or other expenses?
During the volunteer program, volunteers will be provided with meals and a uniform. In addition, public transportation to the event venues will be free of charge for volunteers.
Other expenses, such as airfare, train tickets, or accommodation, will not be covered.
Will I receive payment for my time as a volunteer?
No. Volunteering is an unpaid activity.
However, by volunteering for WUF13, you will gain new knowledge and skills, meet new people, build work experience, create memories, and receive a certificate of participation.
Will WUF13 provide a document confirming that I volunteered?
Yes. Volunteers who successfully complete their duties will receive an official certificate of participation after the event.
Will I only work in the area in which I was trained?
Yes. Each volunteer will mainly work in their assigned and trained position. However, as WUF13 is a large team effort, volunteers may sometimes be asked to support other teams when needed.
What will my work schedule look like? Do I need to work the entire Forum period?
To successfully complete the volunteering program, you must be available for at least 5 days. Your schedule will be determined based on your assigned role and the department's needs.
I have special dietary requirements for health reasons. Will this be considered?
Bringing outside food into the venue is against security rules. In such cases, you are kindly requested to inform the responsible staff in advance.
If I cannot attend the training, how can I access the materials?
Participation in training sessions is mandatory. For volunteers living abroad, online training sessions will be provided.
If I live abroad, how can I attend the interview?
If you are unable to attend an in-person interview due to living abroad, an online interview can be arranged for you, therefore you are kindly asked to send a request to our e-mail address: volunteerssupport@wuf13.az
If I successfully pass the interview and training, can I still remain unassigned?
If the number of successful candidates exceeds the number of planned volunteer positions, some volunteers may be placed on a reserve list.
Will I receive academic flexibility if I am selected as a volunteer?
A formal notification will be sent to your educational institution regarding your participation as a volunteer.
How will I meet my supervisors during the Forum?
You will be introduced to your team leaders during the role-based training sessions.
Is there a maximum age limit?
No, there is no maximum age restriction. Applications from candidates of all age groups are welcome.
When will the application results be announced?
Results will be announced once all interviews have been completed. Updates regarding the process will be shared with candidates via SMS and email.
Are volunteers selected by the system? How is the review conducted?
Your application is reviewed by the recruitment team, who assess the information and answers you provide based on established criteria.
What should I do if the registration page doesn't respond?
This may be due to your internet connection or a temporary technical issue. Because there is currently a high number of users, loading difficulties may occur. Please refresh the page and try again after a few minutes.
Why is an emergency contact number required?
This number should belong to a close family member or someone you trust, whom we may need to contact only in case of an emergency. It is not used for any other purpose.
Can you complete the registration on my behalf?
No. The registration process must be completed by the applicant personally.
My ID card is close to expiring or already expired. Will this affect my application?
Yes. To complete registration, you must provide a valid and active ID card.
What does "sharing information with third parties" mean?
Since the event is organized at the state level, personal data may be shared only with relevant government authorities when required.
I don't have a mobile number. Can I register using a landline?
No. A personal mobile number is required to complete registration.
What should I do if I am unable to complete the registration?
If you experience difficulties during registration, please email volunteerssupport@wuf13.az with your contact number and a brief description of the issue. Our team will review your request and get back to you as soon as possible.