The opening ceremony of the 3rd Azerbaijan National Urban Forum (NUFA3) in Khankendi began with a speech by Anar Guliyev, Chairman of the State Committee on Urban Planning and Architecture, who conveyed the address of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, to the Forum participants. Highlighting the reconstruction and restoration work in the liberated territories, the President noted that NUFA3 in Khankendi, as well as the 13th Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) to be held in Baku next year, represents an important step toward creating safe, comfortable, and sustainable urban environments.

Following this, Anclaudia Rossbach, Executive Director of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), emphasized that NUFA3 provides a significant multilateral cooperation opportunity for implementing the global urban agenda and building sustainable cities. She noted that the Forum holds strategic importance not only for Azerbaijan but also for the entire region and the world. The Executive Director also expressed her appreciation for the Azerbaijani government’s activities and support in the preparatory process for WUF13, which Azerbaijan will host from May 17 to 22, 2026.

In his remarks, Anar Guliyev highlighted that the National Urban Forum, which brought together nearly 400 participants, including over 200 from 64 countries, creates extensive opportunities for exchanging experiences in sustainable urban development. He underscored its importance for aligning Azerbaijan’s urbanization policy with international standards.

The event also featured a video message from Nga Kor Ming, President of the UN-Habitat Assembly and Malaysia’s Minister of Housing and Local Government, addressed to the Forum participants.

The opening concluded with Forum participants coming together for a commemorative photo.