Reinforcing Azerbaijan’s position in international processes on sustainable development and the climate agenda, the country is preparing to host the Third National Urban Forum (NUFA3) under the theme “Towards Climate-Resilient and Healthy Cities: Regional Partnerships and Innovative Solutions.” The Forum will take place on 15-17 October 2025 in Khankendi and Baku, within the framework of cooperation between the State Committee on Urban Planning and Architecture and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat).
         

The three-day event will serve as a unified platform for local and international experts to discuss pressing challenges and opportunities in the field of urban development. Key topics on the agenda include: resilient recovery after conflicts and natural disasters, housing provision and adequate living settlements, sustainable and healthy cities, ecological and energy-efficient practices, digitalization and innovative approaches, the Sustainable Development Goals and the New Urban Agenda, advancing regional and international partnerships.

The Forum is expected to bring together nearly 400 participants from around 60 countries, representing government and private sector institutions, international organizations, academic institutions, and civil society.

Within the Forum’s framework, participants will be introduced to the large-scale reconstruction and development projects in the Karabakh and East Zangezur economic regions, the application of modern urban planning standards and innovative technologies, Azerbaijan’s achievements in the post-conflict period, as well as leading practices from other countries. Discussions with prominent academic researchers in the field of urbanism will further strengthen knowledge exchange and support evidence-based decision-making for sustainable outcomes.

The official opening ceremony and the second day of the Forum will be held at the newly inaugurated Congress Center in Khankendi. Plenary sessions with local and international experts will conclude with study visits to cultural, urban development, and infrastructure projects in Khankendi and Shusha.

The final day in Baku will feature panel discussions on climate-resilient and healthy cities, the role of technology in urban development, climate finance, and partnerships for green city growth.

More information about the event and registration is available at: www.nufa.az