Azerbaijan showcases smart city model at WUF13 urban development panel

Azerbaijan is presenting its experience in smart and sustainable urban development through concrete projects across the urban value chain, officials said at a session held during the 13th World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku.

 

The session, titled “Delivering Smart and Sustainable Urban Projects in Azerbaijan”, highlighted practical case studies including the Agali Smart Village and the Sea Breeze coastal development, focusing on how such initiatives are planned, financed, and implemented.

Rufat Mahmud, Chairman of the Board of the Administration of State Historical-Architectural Reserve "Icherisheher," and Yusif Abdullayev, Executive Director of the Export and Investment Promotion Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan (AZPROMO), were among the speakers.

Discussions outlined the roles of public institutions, private developers, and AZPROMO in structuring partnerships, facilitating investment, and supporting delivery mechanisms for large-scale urban projects.

Focus on investment and partnerships

Speaking at the event, Yusif Abdullayev said Azerbaijan has accumulated “valuable experience” in urban infrastructure and reconstruction projects, including in territories undergoing large-scale redevelopment.

“Smart and sustainable urban development requires clear planning, strong institutions, effective financing, reliable partners and practical implementation,” Abdullayev said.

He added that urban projects are increasingly linked to broader economic outcomes, including investment, trade, innovation and regional connectivity.

“These projects help cities strengthen their position as regional export and logistics hubs and integrate more effectively into global trade networks,” he said.

Abdullayev also pointed to the upcoming Second Azerbaijan International Investment Forum, scheduled for 25-26 September in Baku, which he said is becoming a growing global platform for attracting international investors.

He concluded that the session would contribute to “practical exchange of experience and open new opportunities for cooperation” in urban development and investment.

Read more:

• Fourth day of WUF13 showcases low-carbon building, affordable housing in the Global South and smart cities
• Azerbaijan launches first-ever WUF13 NGO Forum in Baku
• Azerbaijan and Türkiye sign sister-city agreement at WUF13

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News Azerbaijan Baku Urban Development environmental sustainability WUF13 United Nations World Urban Forum AZPROMO Smart Cities