Today, a seminar titled “From the Alps to the Caucasus: the future of mountain regions - regional towns and settlements as drivers of sustainable development” was held in Baku on the occasion of International Mountain Day. The event was organized through the partnership of the State Committee on Urban Planning and Architecture and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), with the support of the Embassy of the Swiss Confederation in Azerbaijan.

 

The seminar was held within the framework of the “Azerbaijan Urban Campaign” (AUC2026) ahead of the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13), which will take place in May 2026 in Baku. The goal was to highlight mountain regions as socio-economic pillars of sustainable development, discuss common challenges with international experts, and explore opportunities for urban planning, tourism, and heritage-based regeneration.

 

The event brought together local and international experts, specialists, representatives of diplomatic missions, and field professionals from international organizations. Discussions covered topics such as strengthening regional connectivity, innovation, climate adaptation, tourism development, agriculture, and the resilience of living environments.

 

Following the seminar, an expert group prepared a roadmap for WUF13 Azerbaijan based on the outcomes of today’s discussions. To continue work on the topic, participants agreed to hold a second seminar in March next year.

 

The Committee will continue organizing various events within the framework of the “Azerbaijan Urban Campaign.”