The World Urban Forum 13 (WUF13) in Baku has placed a strong emphasis on strengthening cooperation between the public and private sectors, with discussions focused on sustainable urban development, investment opportunities and innovation in city planning.
Government institutions worked alongside representatives from business and property development sectors during a series of sessions aimed at identifying practical opportunities for collaboration.
The discussions focused on improving how urban projects are designed and delivered, while making them more attractive to long-term investment and better aligned with sustainability goals.
A dedicated session, “Delivering Smart and Sustainable Urban Projects in Azerbaijan”, highlighted how these approaches are already being implemented in practice. It examined planning, financing and delivery models, as well as lessons emerging from ongoing projects for cities, investors and urban development professionals.
A key focus was Azerbaijan’s broader urban development strategy and its connection to post-conflict resettlement. Vahid Hajiyev, Special Representative of the President of Azerbaijan, outlined the policy direction behind these efforts and the experience gained through implementation.
He said the country had been tasked “to create a sustainable resettlement and whatever is behind it”, adding that this became the foundation for the Great Return Programme.
He explained that, under this framework, Azerbaijan began introducing smart city and smart village concepts as part of its reconstruction approach.
Hajiyev also referred to projects already under way in areas such as Zangilan and Aghdam, noting that these developments have become practical examples of the model being applied.
Reflecting on Azerbaijan’s role at the forum, he said participation in WUF13 in Baku comes after “quite a lot of things in terms of urban perspective”, adding that the event provided an opportunity to share experiences with a wider international audience.
Beyond national initiatives, discussions throughout the forum also addressed broader technical and financial aspects of urban development. Topics included project design and implementation, investment facilitation, financing mechanisms and approaches to risk management.
Participants exchanged perspectives on both challenges and successful practices drawn from real-world project experience.
Overall, WUF13 continues to serve as an international platform for dialogue, bringing together policymakers, investors and practitioners to share knowledge and explore more effective approaches to building sustainable cities.
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