Baku Master Plan 2040, Smart City Approaches and Multilateral Cooperation in Focus on Day Five of WUF13

Discussions dedicated to urban development, climate-resilient urbanisation and sustainable development continued on 21 May during the thirteenth session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku.

The fifth day of WUF13 featured an extensive programme of dialogues, special sessions and caucus meetings held across a wide range of thematic areas.

Opening a special session dedicated to the Africa Affordable Housing Compact, United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed highlighted the growing urgency of the global housing crisis, remarking that “home is the first place where opportunities are created, or where people are left behind.” The session was also attended by Anacláudia Rossbach, Executive Director of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat).

Participants heard that one in three people worldwide continues to live without adequate housing. Bringing together governments, financial institutions, private sector actors and development partners, the Pact is intended to help drive investment across the continent and scale up affordable housing initiatives.

One of the key sessions held within the framework of WUF13 focused on “Housing at the centre of crisis recovery and reconstruction”. Speakers included Yalchin Rafiyev, Deputy Foreign Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan; Emin Huseynov, Special Representative of the President of Azerbaijan in the Aghdam, Fuzuli and Khojavend districts; Anacláudia Rossbach, Executive Director of UN-Habitat; and Ugochi Daniels, Deputy Director General for Operations at the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), alongside international experts.

Discussions centred on the importance of housing provision in cities affected by conflict, climate impacts and natural disasters, as well as the protection of housing, land and property rights. The session also examined the role of governments, local communities and the private sector in the large-scale reconstruction of residential areas.

Addressing the session, Emin Huseynov, Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the Aghdam, Fuzuli and Khojavend districts, spoke about the reconstruction efforts and contemporary urban planning approaches being implemented across the liberated territories. It was noted that, under the Great Return Programme, 13,700 people have so far resettled in the Aghdam, Fuzuli and Khojavend districts.

Discussions also centred on the integration of green energy solutions, digital governance, sustainable infrastructure and environmentally responsible planning approaches rooted in the “smart city” and “smart village” concepts. Participants further explored how renewable energy, innovative heating systems and enhanced digital connectivity can help shape more sustainable and resilient living environments.

Bringing together policymakers, urban experts and international partners, the session “Advancing Housing Policy Through Multilateral Cooperation: From Global Commitments to Local Impact” was jointly organised by the State Committee on Urban Planning and Architecture of the Republic of Azerbaijan, UN-Habitat and the Nizami Ganjavi International Center.

Speakers at the event included Anar Guliyev, Chairman of the State Committee on Urban Planning and Architecture of the Republic of Azerbaijan and National Coordinator for WUF13; Anacláudia Rossbach, Executive Director of UN-Habitat; and Maimunah Mohd Sharif, former Executive Director of UN-Habitat.

Discussions focused on the global housing crisis, the strengthening of multilateral cooperation, affordable housing policies and the translation of international commitments into local action. In his remarks, Anar Guliyev described cities as interconnected ecosystems and emphasised the need to align housing policy more closely with transport systems, labour markets, energy efficiency and social infrastructure planning. He also highlighted the importance of long-term strategic thinking, innovative financing models and stronger public-private partnerships in advancing sustainable urban development.

A session dedicated to the Baku City Master Plan 2040 was also held as part of WUF13. Addressing participants, Read Gasimov, Head of the Main Department of Architecture and Urban Planning of Baku under the State Committee on Urban Planning and Architecture, stated that the document identifies ecological sustainability, climate resilience, innovation and people-centred planning as central pillars of the capital’s long-term development vision.

It was highlighted that the Master Plan places particular emphasis on expanding public spaces, parks, pedestrian-friendly environments, social infrastructure and urban services, while at the same time preserving Baku’s unique architectural and cultural heritage.

Alongside representatives of the State Committee on Urban Planning and Architecture, the discussions also brought together officials from the Azerbaijan Land Transport Agency (AYNA), the State Agency of Azerbaijan Automobile Roads, the State Housing Development Agency, as well as international partners. Speakers stressed that the development of an integrated transport system, the strengthening of public transport, improved connectivity between different modes of transport and the reduction of traffic congestion are all essential to the city’s sustainable development.

The Forum also hosted a roundtable dedicated to Children and Youth. Speaking during the session, Farid Gayibov, Minister of Youth and Sports of the Republic of Azerbaijan, highlighted the importance of advancing sustainable cities through inclusive and people-focused approaches.

Discussions centred on youth participation in shaping urban development, strengthening community bonds, and the role of innovation and technology in promoting social inclusion. In his remarks, the Minister stressed that sustainable urban development is driven not only by infrastructure and investment, but also by participation, trust, solidarity and meaningful human connection.

Held within the framework of WUF13, the panel session “The SeCure Model - Sustainable and Empowering Cultural Recovery of Post-Conflict Cities” brought together representatives of member states, the United Nations system, civil society organisations, cultural heritage experts and academics from both Azerbaijan and abroad. Discussions focused on safeguarding cultural heritage during the reconstruction of post-conflict cities, restoring urban identity, strengthening social resilience and reinforcing the role of culture in urban regeneration processes.

Speaking during the panel session, Farid Jafarov, Deputy Minister of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan, stated that the reconstruction process extends beyond the restoration of destroyed infrastructure and also encompasses the revival of people’s sense of belonging, historical and cultural memory, and social ties.

According to him, one of the principal objectives of the Great Return Programme is the restoration of the social and cultural environment that existed prior to the occupation. The Deputy Minister also noted that the “Azerbaijani Culture - 2040” Concept identifies culture as one of the central pillars of national development, social cohesion and state policy.

As part of the WUF13 programme, a session titled “Rebuilding Urbanism: How Azerbaijan Built an Innovation Lab for Urban Transformation” explored the country’s approach to post-conflict urban redevelopment.

Speaking during the session, Ramil Jahangirov, Head of the Project Management Department at the State Committee on Urban Planning and Architecture of the Republic of Azerbaijan, noted that reconstruction efforts in the liberated cities are being shaped through approaches tailored to the geographical characteristics, landscape and architectural identity of each individual settlement.

Discussions focused on urban transformation, sustainable reconstruction and innovative urban planning solutions. Particular attention was also drawn to the importance of incorporating Alpine-style architectural elements adapted to the mountainous terrain of Kalbajar, as well as contemporary architectural approaches in Zangilan, in shaping the visual identity and functional development of the cities.

WUF13 also featured a session titled “Developing Azerbaijan’s First National Sustainability Standard: Sustainable Practices Standard (SPS).”

The session opened with a video message from Mukhtar Babayev, Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan on Climate Issues. Discussions focused on the growing role of cities in responding to climate risks and driving climate solutions, alongside broader themes of sustainable urban development, resource efficiency and institutional resilience.

Speakers drew attention to the significant share of urban areas in global energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, while highlighting the importance of developing Azerbaijan’s first national sustainability standard as a means of integrating sustainable development principles into planning and governance processes.

On 21 May, Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and founder and head of the IDEA Public Union, together with Arzu Aliyeva, Head of the Baku Media Centre, visited the Urban Expo exhibition taking place during the thirteenth session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13). The visit included an overview of projects and forward-looking urban solutions presented across the national pavilions and exhibition stands of Azerbaijan and a number of other countries.

The Azerbaijan Pavilion also hosted the presentation of the Illustrated Dictionary of Cities. Addressing the event, Ramil Jahangirov, Head of the Project Management Department at the State Committee on Urban Planning and Architecture of the Republic of Azerbaijan, highlighted the publication’s role in fostering a unified professional terminology in urban planning, strengthening international cooperation and deepening understanding of contemporary urbanisation approaches.

Presenting a systematic explanation of key concepts related to sustainable urban development, the United Nations sustainable development agenda and urban governance, the publication is expected to serve as a practical resource for architects, researchers and the academic community.

At the Urban Cinema hosted within the Urban Expo exhibition, audiences were presented with the documentary “Sheki: Shebeke Art, History and Craftsmanship - A City Shaping Azerbaijan’s Living Cultural Heritage”, exploring the rich historical, cultural and architectural legacy of Sheki.

The presentation explored Sheki’s development as an ancient centre of trade and craftsmanship, the architectural legacy of the city with more than 2,500 years of history, and landmarks including the Palace of the Sheki Khans and the Sheki Fortress, both inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The documentary also highlighted Azerbaijan’s traditional shebeke craftsmanship, silk-making heritage and the longstanding craft traditions that remain central to Sheki’s cultural identity. The screening also included remarks by Khayala Musayeva, Deputy Head of the Executive Authority of the City of Sheki, on the city’s contemporary development projects, tourism potential and broader economic initiatives.

Urban Cinema also featured the screening of “What No One Wants to See: Homelessness, a Cause We Must Make Visible,” a documentary produced by the Gere Foundation founded by acclaimed actor and humanitarian Richard Gere. The film explored the social and humanitarian realities of homelessness, while highlighting the importance of inclusive housing policies and stronger international solidarity in responding to the issue.

Meanwhile, the Azerbaijan Pavilion at Urban Expo hosted the screening of a documentary dedicated to the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, presented by AnewZ. Speaking during the session, the film’s producer and director, Frederico Saddi Naccache, said the project had offered an opportunity to travel across Nakhchivan and engage with local scholars, cultural figures and members of the wider community.

The session provided a wider perspective on Nakhchivan’s history, cultural heritage, architectural landmarks, geography and contemporary development. The documentary further explored the region’s socio-economic progress despite decades of blockade, while also highlighting efforts aimed at safeguarding its cultural heritage and strengthening its tourism potential. The production was noted as the seventh instalment in a documentary series prepared within the framework of WUF13.

WUF13 also continued to host a broad range of events and interactive sessions across key Forum platforms, including the WUF Academy, Voices from Cities, SDG in Action, Urban Cinema, Urban Library, the UN-Habitat Arena, the Practices Hub, and the Business and Innovation Hub.