A collegium meeting dedicated to the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the State Committee on Urban Planning and Architecture and the results of 2025 was held at the Committee.

Prior to the meeting, the Committee’s leadership and staff visited the grave of the National Leader Heydar Aliyev at the Alley of Honor, paying their respects and commemorating his memory.

During the opening speech, the Chairman of the Committee, Anar Guliyev, emphasized that the architecture and urban planning policy of independent Azerbaijan has been shaped on the basis of the strong political will and consistent state policy of the National Leader Heydar Aliyev. He noted that this policy is successfully continued today by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, building on the foundations laid by the National Leader, with the country achieving new successes and reaching new heights.

As a result of this policy, the State Committee on Urban Planning and Architecture was established 20 years ago by the Decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan dated February 28, 2006.

Over the years, the Committee has carried out significant work to improve the regulatory framework and standards nationwide, introduced new approaches in the preparation of general and master plans, implemented modern design methods and technologies, established an urban planning control mechanism, and undertaken numerous consistent measures and reforms to preserve the historical and architectural environment of cities.

It was noted that, to date, master plans of 67 out of 79 cities nationwide have been approved, and work continues on updating the plans of the remaining cities. When preparing spatial planning documents, special attention is paid to preserving historical and cultural heritage while harmonizing it with modern architectural solutions, modernizing transport infrastructure, developing public transport and pedestrian environments, expanding green zones, planning social infrastructure, and applying “smart city” technologies, as highlighted by Anar Guliyev.

Additionally, it was emphasized that the master plans of 8 out of 12 cities located in Karabakh and Eastern Zangazur have already been approved. Within the framework of the “Great Return” State Program, approved by the Decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, over 100 urban and rural spatial planning documents have been approved. Relocation has already been provided to 40 settlements, where nearly 70,000 people live, work, and study, including 30,000 internally displaced persons.

Furthermore, to digitalize urban planning activities, an electronic application system (e-tikinti.gov.az) has been established based on the relevant Decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Currently, procedures for obtaining construction and operation permits, as well as for private residential houses, are fully carried out electronically. In parallel, the State Registry of Buildings and the unified information system have been established, allowing urban planning and construction processes to be transparent, efficient, and agile.

Anar Guliyev also highlighted the Committee’s activities to develop the art of architecture and promote a creative environment, noting the “Təməl” award established for this purpose as an important initiative to showcase the potential of architects.

Touching upon achievements in international relations, the Chairman mentioned that hosting the 13th session of the UN World Urban Forum (WUF13Azerbaijan) in Baku demonstrates Azerbaijan’s international prestige in urban planning. Other examples include Azerbaijan’s election to the Executive Board of the UN Human Settlements Programme and co-chairmanship of the Open Government Working Group on “Adequate Housing for All.”

The Committee Chairman noted that the declaration of 2026 as the “Year of Urban Planning and Architecture” by the President of the country is another clear example of attention and care for these fields. He outlined the main tasks ahead, including raising quality standards in urban planning document preparation, ensuring balanced regional urban development, promoting architectural competitions, and expanding the use of digital tools.

In conclusion, Chairman Anar Guliyev gave instructions and recommendations for the consistent and systematic implementation of the tasks set.