New York, July 23, 2025 – The Europe Today: Anar Guliyev, Chairman of the State Committee for Urban Planning and Architecture of the Republic of Azerbaijan, addressed the Ministerial Meeting of the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development, held under the auspices of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) in New York, underscoring Azerbaijan’s commitment to sustainable and inclusive urban development.
In his remarks, Chairman Guliyev detailed Azerbaijan’s strategic achievements and reforms in urban planning, emphasizing the nation’s integrated and forward-looking approach that contributes to improved social well-being, enhanced economic resilience, and climate change adaptation.
“Major global challenges such as climate change, economic instability, and social inequality are deeply interconnected and are most acutely felt in urban areas,” Guliyev stated, adding that effective urban planning and management are fundamental to the successful implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Guliyev highlighted the importance of urban master plans as essential tools in ensuring inclusive, safe, accessible, and sustainable cities, aligned with the global 2030 Agenda.
He also provided insights into post-conflict reconstruction and urban regeneration initiatives in the Karabakh and East Zangezur economic regions, noting that these projects are based on the concepts of “smart cities” and “green energy.” These efforts, he said, aim to promote regional stability, economic revitalization, and long-term sustainability.
Looking ahead, Chairman Guliyev announced that Baku will host the 13th Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) in May 2026, extending an open invitation to countries and international organizations to actively participate.
“WUF13 will serve as a valuable platform to share best practices, forge new partnerships, and strengthen international cooperation in urban development,” he emphasized.
The High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development serves as the UN’s central platform for the follow-up and review of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 SDGs. The 2025 HLPF is convened under the theme: “Advancing sustainable, inclusive, science- and evidence-based solutions for the 2030 Agenda and its SDGs for leaving no one behind.”
On the sidelines of the forum, Chairman Anar Guliyev is also scheduled to participate in the UN-Habitat High-Level Dialogue on “Adequate Housing for All” under the SDG Localisation Partnerships Platform, and will hold a series of bilateral meetings to explore further international cooperation in sustainable urban development.
