Azerbaijan eyes WUF13 preperation during UN-Habitat talks in Kenya PHOTO

Azerbaijan is taking part in the continuation of the Second Session of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) Assembly in Nairobi, Kenya, with a focus on adopting the UN-Habitat Strategic Plan for 2026–2029 and promoting the localisation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Led by Anar Guliyev, Chairman of Azerbaijan’s State Committee for Urban Planning and Architecture and National Coordinator of the upcoming World Urban Forum (WUF13), the Azerbaijani delegation is engaging in high-level discussions aimed at strengthening multilevel governance, building institutional capacity, and fostering innovative partnerships for sustainable urban transformation, Caliber.Az writes.

The session, held from May 29–30, also includes the adoption of international guidelines on “Human-centric smart cities,” emphasising the role of digital technologies in advancing social well-being. A key initiative presented at the event is the “Partnership Platform for the Localisation of the SDGs,” launched in 2024 to support national efforts toward inclusive development.

A high-level dialogue on “Adequate Housing for All” and elections to the Assembly's Executive Council are also on the agenda.

During the visit, Guliyev is holding a series of official meetings with international partners and UN-Habitat leadership to discuss Azerbaijan’s preparations for hosting WUF13 in 2026 and explore avenues for future collaboration. The Azerbaijani delegation also unveiled a national stand showcasing innovative urban planning strategies and visions for the cities of the future.

As the UN’s top decision-making body on urban development and housing, the UN-Habitat Assembly convenes Member States and global stakeholders to address urbanisation challenges, set policy priorities, and advance Sustainable Development Goal 11: making cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. The first part of the session was held in June 2023.

By Sabina Mammadli