Azerbaijan, Kenya sign urban development memorandum at WUF13

Azerbaijan and Kenya have signed a memorandum of understanding on urban planning and sustainable development during the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku.

The memorandum aims to expand bilateral cooperation in integrated urban and territorial planning, sustainable urbanisation, architecture, housing policy, and modern approaches to urban development, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

It also provides for the exchange of experience in land use and city planning, the promotion of smart and sustainable city solutions, and cooperation within international initiatives and platforms.

The document was signed by the Chairman of Azerbaijan’s State Committee for Urban Planning and Architecture and WUF13 national coordinator Anar Guliyev, and Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development Alice Wahome.

It reflects both sides’ interest in long-term cooperation, the exchange of best practices, and the implementation of joint initiatives in sustainable urbanisation, territorial planning, and the development of modern urban infrastructure.

Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to Kenya and Permanent Representative to the UN Office in Nairobi, Sultan Hajiyev, also attended the official meeting.

As part of the visit, the Kenyan delegation toured Azerbaijan’s pavilion at the WUF13 Urban Expo, where the country showcased its approaches to sustainable urban development, reconstruction projects carried out under the “Great Return” programme in territories liberated from occupation, Smart City and Smart Village solutions, and initiatives aimed at preserving cultural heritage.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov