On October 16, the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, received Anclaudia Rossbach, Executive Director of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat).

 

During the meeting, the importance of the guest’s participation in the 3rd Azerbaijan National Urban Forum held in Khankendi was highlighted.

 

Anclaudia Rossbach praised the high-level organization of the Forum, emphasizing that it featured highly relevant discussions on urban development issues.

 

It was noted with satisfaction that several national urban forums have been held in Azerbaijan within the framework of Azerbaijan - UN-Habitat partnership.

 

The discussion also touched upon large-scale reconstruction and restoration work in the Karabakh and Eastern Zangazur economic regions, highlighting that a new, modern urban planning model is being implemented in the construction of cities and villages in the liberated territories.

 

The guest expressed gratitude for Azerbaijan’s voluntary financial contributions to UN-Habitat and for supporting its activities. She also welcomed the successful organization of COP29 in Azerbaijan, noting that the event integrated climate agendas with urbanization initiatives, in which Azerbaijan had taken proactive steps.

 

The meeting included an exchange of views on preparations for one of the United Nations’ most prestigious upcoming events - the 13th Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13), to be held in Azerbaijan in 2026. Participants expressed confidence that this event, like other major international gatherings, would be conducted at a high level.

 

The discussion also covered the prospects for further cooperation between Azerbaijan and UN-Habitat.