Azerbaijan’s Khankendi to host 3rd National Urban Forum on sustainable cities

The Third National Urban Forum (NUFA3) will be held in October under the theme: “Towards climate-resilient and healthy cities: harnessing regional partnerships and innovative solutions.”

The forum will take place from October 15 to 17, 2025, in Khankendi and Baku, as part of a collaboration between the State Committee and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), the State Committee for Urban Planning and Architecture of Azerbaijan told Caliber.Az. 

The three-day event will serve as a platform for local and international experts to discuss key challenges and opportunities in urban development. The program will cover topics including:

• Sustainable post-conflict and disaster recovery

• Housing and adequate settlements

• Sustainable and comfortable cities

• Environmental and energy-efficient practices

• Digitalisation and innovative approaches

• Sustainable development agenda and the New Urban Agenda

• Strengthening regional and international partnerships

Up to 400 representatives from government and private sectors, international organisations, academic institutions, and civil society from 60 countries are expected to participate.

The forum will showcase results of large-scale reconstruction and construction projects in the Karabakh and East Zangazur economic regions, including the implementation of modern urban planning standards, innovative technologies, Azerbaijan’s post-conflict achievements, and international best practices. Discussions with a distinguished academic community specialising in urban studies will enhance knowledge exchange and support evidence-based sustainable solutions.

The official opening and second-day events will take place at the newly inaugurated Congress Centre in Khankendi. Plenary sessions with local and international experts will be followed by tours of cultural, urban, and infrastructure projects in Khankendi and Shusha.

The forum’s final day in Baku will focus on climate-resilient and healthy cities, the use of technology in urban development, financing climate action, and partnerships to promote “green” cities.

For more information and registration, visit www.nufa.az.

By Timur Rzayev