The 4th Global Expert Group Meeting on People-Centred Smart Cities (EGM4) is taking place in Baku, organized by the State Committee for Urban Planning and Architecture of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the UN-Habitat, with the support of ADA University.

 

Speaking at the opening, Anar Guliyev highlighted that the discussions focus on key principles such as sustainability in urban transformation, digital integration, the quality of urban spaces, and the primacy of the human factor in governance and planning. He noted that these approaches serve to shape the development of both cities in Azerbaijan and cities beyond our borders.

 

He also emphasized Azerbaijan’s active role in the preparation of the “International Guidelines on People-Centred Smart Cities.” Prepared with the joint participation of experts from 26 countries, including two Azerbaijani specialists, the document will serve as a practical tool for state and municipal institutions and guide future digital and urban development policies.

 

During the two-day sessions, experts are discussing ways to implement the International Guidelines. The final document will be presented at the 13th World Urban Forum (WUF13), which will be held in Baku in May 2026.