Gabala: An information session focusing on the thirteenth session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) was held at the Gabala State Vocational Education Centre, attracting the participation of teaching staff and students of the Centre as part of the ongoing WUF13 Festival in Gabala.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the session featured speakers such as Galib Nabiyev, Director of the Gabala State Vocational Education Centre; Ramiz Idrisoghlu from the State Committee on Urban Planning and Architecture of the Republic of Azerbaijan; and Emin Huseynzade, Communications Manager at the WUF13 Azerbaijan Operations Company. They discussed the key aspects of WUF13, emphasizing its significance for Azerbaijan and highlighting activities designed to engage young people.
Galib Nabiyev opened the event by emphasizing the role of hosting international events like WUF13 in cultivating a generation of informed and engaged youth in Azerbaijan. He noted that the Centre, which he leads, is one of the country’s top educational institutions, drawing students from 56 districts nationwide.
Ramiz Idrisoghlu spoke about the declaration of 2026 as the ‘Year of Urban Planning and Architecture’ in Azerbaijan. He described it as a pivotal decision that underscores the state’s dedication to urban planning and represents an extension of its long-term strategic goals in this sector. He also provided insights into Azerbaijan’s current urban development policies, focusing on employment, inclusivity, and mobility within urban planning.
Emin Huseynzade encouraged youth participation in WUF13, scheduled to take place in Baku from 17 to 22 May 2026. He mentioned that the event will be accessible to all, with opportunities for young people to participate in sessions both physically and online.
The session concluded with a Q and A session involving teachers and students. The WUF13 Festival will continue with an evening open-air public program starting at 18:00, featuring interactive activities, educational games, presentations, and public discussions. These activities aim to engage a wide audience with themes such as sustainable urban development, inclusive urban environments, innovative urban solutions, and future city planning.