An awareness-raising event on the topic “The UN World Urban Forum (WUF13): Significance and Prospects” was held at the Institute of Molecular Biology of the Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Opening the event with an introductory speech, PhD in Biology, Associate Professor Alamdar Mammadov familiarized the participants with the text of the Decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan declaring 2026 as the “Year of Urban Planning and Architecture” in Azerbaijan. He noted that the decision to hold the Thirteenth Session of the UN World Urban Forum in Baku in 2026 demonstrates Azerbaijan’s growing role in sustainable urban development processes. Azerbaijan is recognized as a reliable partner in addressing global challenges related to climate change and urbanization, as well as in shaping innovative approaches. The country’s unique heritage sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List—Icherisheher and the Shirvanshahs’ Palace Complex, the Maiden Tower, the historic center of Sheki, and the Khan’s Palace—are outstanding examples of Azerbaijan’s urban planning and architectural heritage and hold a worthy place among world cultural treasures. In accordance with the First State Program on the Great Return, the territories designated as “green energy” zones witnessed the preparation of planning documents for more than 100 settlements, including 12 cities, and the launch of construction activities during 2020–2025, an exceptionally short period rarely encountered in global architectural and construction practice.

During the event, extensive discussions were held on the significance and prospects of the Forum organized by the United Nations and its specialized agency, UN-Habitat. PhDs in Biology Ulduza Gurbanova, Ilham Aliyev, Aynura Pashayeva, and others emphasized in their speeches that the Forum planned to be held in Azerbaijan is a global dialogue platform bringing together not only urban planning specialists but also policymakers, scientists, representatives of the public, and civil society actors. It was particularly noted that hosting WUF13 in Azerbaijan is a clear indicator of the country’s growing international prestige, regional leadership, and increasing role in global processes. The Forum will enable Azerbaijan to be recognized not only as an energy and oil hub but also as a country presenting a new model in sustainable urban development and smart urbanization. Concepts such as green energy, ecological city models, smart villages and smart cities, and sustainable resource management are already being implemented as concrete projects in Karabakh and East Zangezur, creating the potential to transform Karabakh into an international model region for sustainable urban development in the post-conflict period.