Inaugural awareness session on sustainability standards in sporting events held in Azerbaijan as part of WUF13

The first dedicated awareness session on the application of the national standard AZS ISO 20121:2026 “Event Sustainability Management Systems” to sporting events was held in Azerbaijan as part of the thirteenth session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13).

On 23rd April, a workshop on Sustainable Event Management in Football Organisation was convened under a cooperative arrangement between the WUF13 Azerbaijan Operations Company and the Azerbaijan Football Federations Association (AFFA).

The workshop brought together members of AFFA’s staff alongside representatives of the Professional Football League (PFL), the Football Development Fund (FDF), as well as clubs competing in the Misli Premier League and the First Division.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Kamran Veliyev, Deputy Secretary General of the Azerbaijan Football Federations Association (AFFA), noted that the thirteenth session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) will take place in Baku from 17 to 22 May. He underscored that the Forum stands among the most authoritative international platforms for advancing dialogue on sustainable development, inclusivity and modern governance.

“Hosting an event of such standing places a significant responsibility on our country, while at the same time opening up broad opportunities for the application of international standards across a range of sectors, including football,” he said. “In this regard, we have taken important steps in close coordination with the leadership of the WUF13 Azerbaijan Operations Company. Our overarching aim extends beyond the development of football itself to fostering a sustainable football environment that promotes responsibility towards the environment, society and future generations.”

Gulshan Rzayeva, Deputy Chief of Staff of the State Committee on Urban Planning and Architecture of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Deputy National Coordinator of WUF13, went on to highlight the pivotal role of sport in shaping urban development and its integration into urban planning processes. She noted that sport constitutes a core urban service, promoting inclusivity, supporting healthy lifestyles and reinforcing the resilience of communities.

The application of the AZS ISO 20121:2026 national standard provides a robust institutional framework to ensure that events staged nationwide are conceived, delivered and overseen in full alignment with sustainability principles. Over time, this approach is expected not only to generate positive environmental outcomes for the urban ecosystem, but also to make a substantive contribution to fostering a new culture within the events industry.

WUF13 is set to be delivered in line with environmental and inclusive principles. Its staging at the Baku Olympic Stadium, with a strong emphasis on utilising existing infrastructure and optimising resource efficiency, stands as a central pillar of this approach.

As part of the workshop, presentations were also delivered by Jamilya Ismayilzada, Head of the Substantive Content Department at the WUF13 Azerbaijan Operations Company; Afgan Mehtiyev, Chief Administrator for Coordination; Tural Mammadov, Chief Administrator for Organisational Development and Human Capital; as well as Mirza Aliyev, Senior Manager, and Nargiz Ahmadzada, Senior Specialist, both representing Climate Change and Sustainability Advisory Services at EY Azerbaijan. The speakers addressed key aspects of the topic and underscored the significance of the initiative.

During the presentations, participants were offered in-depth insights into topics including the Integration of Sport into Urban Planning, The Role of Sustainability and Accountability in Football Tournaments, and Planning, Implementation and Risk Management for Successful Event Delivery, alongside a constructive exchange of views on these areas.