Baku: The 3rd Azerbaijan National Urban Forum (NUFA3) successfully concluded in Baku, APA reports. The Forum, organized by the State Committee on Urban Planning and Architecture of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), centered on the theme ‘Towards Climate-Resilient and Healthy Cities: Leveraging Regional Partnerships and Innovative Solutions.’
According to Azeri-Press news agency, this year’s Forum was held across two cities, Khankendi and Baku, and attracted nearly 1,500 participants both online and offline, including more than 200 delegates from 65 countries. Participants were from government institutions, sister cities, embassies, diplomatic missions, academic and research institutions, international organizations, the private sector, civil society, and experts, with the online viewership reaching around 1,400 people.
The Forum featured 10 panel sessions that addressed critical topics such as sustainable urban development, climate adaptation, inclusive growth, and post-conflict urban recovery. Participants exchanged best practices related to housing provision, financial and innovation mechanisms, spatial planning, digitalization, cultural heritage preservation, and healthy urban communities.
Azerbaijan’s post-conflict reconstruction model was highlighted, focusing on large-scale restoration and rebuilding projects in the Karabakh and East Zangezur economic regions. These efforts are aligned with the ‘Building Back Better’ principle, aiming to foster safe, resilient, and livable urban spaces.
In collaboration with the National Assembly of Youth Organizations of Azerbaijan (NAYORA), a session titled ‘Youth United for Our Future Cities’ was held, where young participants discussed the future of sustainable cities, innovative approaches, and youth involvement in urban development.
Another session concentrated on housing, a subject closely related to the theme of the upcoming 13th World Urban Forum (WUF13), which will take place in Baku in 2026 under the theme ‘Adequate Housing for All: Safe and Sustainable Cities and Communities.’
In his closing remarks, Anar Guliyev, Chairman of Azerbaijan’s State Committee on Urban Planning and Architecture and National Coordinator for WUF13, noted that NUFA3 was a significant milestone for enhancing national, regional, and global dialogue on the future of cities, paving the way for collaboration in preparation for the World Urban Forum in Baku. He concluded by stating, ‘Together, we can build a future where every city is resilient to climate challenges, every community is healthy, and every person is an integral part of the story of their city.’