Today, the III Azerbaijan National Urban Forum (NUFA3) concluded its work. The Forum was jointly organized by the State Committee on Urban Planning and Architecture of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), under the theme “Towards Climate-Resilient and Healthy Cities: Regional Partnerships and Innovative Solutions.”

This year, the Forum was held in two cities - Khankendi and Baku. The event brought together nearly 1,500 participants both online and offline, including over 200 representatives from 65 countries. Participants included government officials, sister cities, embassies and diplomatic missions, academic institutions, international organizations, private sector actors, civil society representatives, and experts. The total online viewership reached approximately 1,400.

During the event, 10 panel sessions were organized, covering key topics such as sustainable urban development, climate change adaptation, inclusive development, and urban regeneration. Participants shared best practices in housing provision, financial and innovation mechanisms, spatial planning, digitalization, cultural heritage preservation, and healthy urban communities.

Special attention was given to post-conflict reconstruction models in Azerbaijan. Large-scale recovery and redevelopment projects in the Karabakh and East Zangezur economic regions are based on the “Building Back Better” principles, aiming to create safe, resilient, and livable urban environments.

In collaboration with the National Assembly of Youth Organizations of Azerbaijan (NAYORA), a session titled “Youth Unite for Our Future Cities” was held, where young people discussed the future of sustainable cities, innovative approaches, and active youth participation in these processes.

Another session focused on housing issues. This topic aligns with the main concept of the 13th World Urban Forum (WUF13), to be held in Baku in 2026 under the motto “Housing for All: Safe and Sustainable Cities and Settlements.”

At the closing ceremony, Chairman of the State Committee on Urban Planning and Architecture and National Coordinator for WUF13, Anar Guliyev, emphasized that NUFA3 was an important step in strengthening national, regional, and global dialogue on the future of cities and opened a new chapter in collaboration in preparation for the World Urban Forum in Baku.

Concluding his speech, Anar Guliyev addressed the participants with a symbolic message reflecting the spirit and purpose of the Forum:

"Together, we can build a future where every city is resilient to climate challenges, every community is healthy, and every person is an integral part of the story of that city."