Ahead of next week’s World Urban Forum (WUF13), Baku State University and Azerbaijan’s State Committee for Urban Planning and Architecture have organised an international conference on sustainable cities and human capital in urban development.
Held on 15 May within the framework of “Baku Urban Planning Week 2026”, the conference titled “Developing Human Capital for Sustainable and Resilient Urban Development” brought together government officials, academics, international experts, and urban planning specialists for discussions on the major challenges shaping modern cities.
The event is one of the key platforms leading up to WUF13, organised by the United Nations Human Settlements Programme, which is regarded as one of the world’s most significant forums on sustainable urbanisation.
Speaking at the conference, Rector of Baku State University, Elchin Babayev said the sustainable development of modern cities depends not only on infrastructure and technology, but above all on highly qualified human capital.
“This is another clear demonstration of the trust placed in Azerbaijan, as well as the country’s growing strength and international standing,” Babayev said.
He noted that urban planning failures often result from insufficient institutional and human resources rather than a lack of planning itself. Babayev also stressed the importance of strengthening interdisciplinary education models to support the development of inclusive, sustainable, and knowledge-based cities.
Deputy Chairman of the Azerbaijani State Committee for Urban Planning and Architecture Dovlatkhan Dovlatkhanov highlighted the rapid pace of global urbanisation, noting that more than half of the world’s population now lives in cities.
He said strengthening human capital has become one of the core components of implementing the New Urban Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals, adding that universities and research institutions play a central role in policymaking, innovation, and scientific research.
Deputy Minister of Science and Education Idris Isayev said accelerating urbanisation is creating new global challenges and underlined the importance of prioritising human capital to ensure sustainable national development.
Chairman of the Natural Resources, Energy and Ecology Committee of the Milli Majlis, Sadig Gurbanov, described urban planning as “a vision for the future”, stressing that future cities must provide safe and environmentally sustainable living conditions for coming generations.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the Science and Education Committee of the Milli Majlis, Anar Isgandarov, said hosting WUF13 in Baku reflects Azerbaijan’s growing international reputation and long-standing statehood traditions.
Rector of the Azerbaijan University of Architecture and Construction, Gulchohra Mammadova, emphasised that urban development extends far beyond architecture and construction, requiring cooperation between ecologists, engineers, sociologists, policymakers, and other specialists.
The UN Resident Coordinator in Azerbaijan, Igor Garafulich, said the broad discussion of development issues in the country demonstrates Azerbaijan’s increasing importance as a platform for international dialogue.
Vice Rector of ADA University and Deputy Chairman of the parliamentary Science and Education Committee, Fariz Ismailzade, stated that WUF13 is significant not only for urban planning and environmental discussions, but also for expanding Azerbaijan’s international diplomatic engagement.
He added that the reconstruction of Garabagh and modern urban planning initiatives could contribute to strengthening sustainable peace in the region.
Vice-President of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences Rasim Aliguliyev highlighted the growing importance of digitalisation and artificial intelligence in modern urban governance, noting that urban planning challenges require multidisciplinary cooperation across scientific fields.
The conference continued with panel discussions on sustainable urban futures, inclusive city planning, climate resilience, digital transformation, and innovative approaches to urban governance.
Held as part of Azerbaijan’s preparations for WUF13, the event aims to strengthen global dialogue on sustainable and inclusive urban development while positioning Baku as a key international hub for discussions on the future of cities.
AnewZ's Gulchin Kojaliyeva was on the ground covering the event as experts and policymakers gathered in Baku ahead of next week’s World Urban Forum.
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