Azerbaijan showcases urban reform, climate initiatives at UN Forum PHOTO

Chairman of the State Committee for Urban Planning and Architecture of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Anar Guliyev, underscored the central role of urban reform in sustainable development during his address at the Ministerial Meeting of the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF), held under the auspices of the UN Economic and Social Council in New York.

Speaking at the annual gathering, Guliyev outlined Azerbaijan’s ongoing reforms in urban planning and sustainable development, presenting the country’s achievements and strategic priorities. He emphasised that Azerbaijan’s comprehensive and integrated approaches contribute significantly to improving social well-being, boosting economic resilience, and enabling adaptation to climate change, Caliber.Az reports via the State Committee’s press service. 

Guliyev pointed out that the major global challenges of climate change, economic instability, and social inequality are interconnected and are often most evident in urban settings. Citing future demographic trends, he stated that by 2050, up to 70 per cent of the world’s population will be living in cities, making the sustainable development of urban areas a pressing global concern.

He stressed the importance of effective planning and management in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), identifying urban master plans as crucial strategic tools that ensure inclusivity, safety, accessibility, and sustainability.

Urban planning, he said, remains a key priority in Azerbaijan’s national development strategy. The country is actively participating in global initiatives addressing climate change and urbanisation, with a notable example being its COP29 proposal titled “Cross-Sectoral Pathways for Sustainable and Healthy Cities”—an initiative designed to integrate urban planning with climate and health agendas.

Guliyev also highlighted Azerbaijan’s ongoing post-conflict reconstruction and urban development projects in the Karabakh and East Zangezur economic regions. These efforts, he noted, are being carried out in line with the principles of “smart cities” and “green energy,” and aim to support regional stability, economic revitalisation, and sustainable growth.

In his remarks, the Chairman announced that Baku will host the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) in May 2026. He extended an open invitation to all nations and international organisations to actively take part in the upcoming event, describing it as a vital opportunity for knowledge sharing, partnership building, and deepening international cooperation.

The High-Level Political Forum, established in 2013, serves as the UN’s primary platform for reviewing progress on the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs. This year’s session is being held from July 14 to 23 in New York under the theme ”Advancing sustainable, inclusive, science- and evidence-based solutions for the 2030 Agenda and its SDGs for leaving no one behind."

In addition to his ministerial address, Anar Guliyev is expected to participate in the UN-Habitat High-Level Dialogue on “Adequate Housing for All,” an event organised under the SDG Localisation Partnerships Platform, as well as a series of bilateral meetings.

By Sabina Mammadli