Nairobi: The Second Session of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) Assembly concluded with significant developments for Azerbaijan. The session, held in Nairobi, was attended by Anar Guliyev, Chairman of the State Committee for Urban Planning and Architecture of the Republic of Azerbaijan, who also serves as the national coordinator for the World Urban Forum (WUF13).
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Azerbaijan was elected as a member of the UN-Habitat Executive Board for the first time, with the membership spanning 2025 to 2029. This new role will allow Azerbaijan to have a more influential position in shaping international urbanization policies and fostering a sustainable urban environment. During the session, the theme and date for WUF13, set to take place in Baku in 2026, were officially approved.
Discussions at the session included expanding cooperation with partner countries and ensuring active participation in WUF13, further bolstering Azerbaijan’s contribution to global urban development. A Strategic Plan for 2026-2029 and an international guideline on ‘People-Centered Smart Cities’ were also approved, outlining future directions and priorities for sustainable urban development.
The Azerbaijani delegation actively participated in discussions on topics such as multilevel governance for localizing sustainable development goals, urban climate and environmental issues for 2025 and beyond, and the provision of adequate housing for all. Anar Guliyev highlighted the importance of cities, the role of COP29 in the global climate agenda, and the international recognition of the Baku Sustainability Coalition’s initiatives.
Meetings were held with UN-Habitat Executive Director Anclaudia Rosbach and representatives from Italy, China, Malaysia, Uzbekistan, and Kenya to explore cooperation in sustainable urban development, smart city models, ecological transformation, and digital governance. The Azerbaijani stand within the session showcased the main plans for WUF13, modern urban development strategies, and national initiatives.