An international scientific symposium entitled “Environmental, Biological, and Medical Aspects of Urban Planning: A Sustainable and Healthy Urban Environment,” dedicated to the “Year of Urban Planning and Architecture,” was held under the joint organization of the State Agency for Science and Higher Education under the Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Institute of Molecular Biology of the Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Division of Biological and Medical Sciences of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS).

First, the symposium participants viewed the poster session. Then the opening ceremony was held in the conference hall of the Institute of Molecular Biology of the Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The ceremony commenced with the national anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan, followed by a one-minute silence in honour of the cherished memory of National Leader Heydar Aliyev and the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for their homeland.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the international scientific symposium, President of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS), Academician Isa Habibbayli emphasized that the event was dedicated to one of the pressing challenges of the modern era. He mentioned that examining urban planning in relation to the preservation of ecological balance, the protection of biodiversity, and the promotion of human health is of considerable scientific and public importance.

Academician Isa Habibbayli noted that the declaration of 2026 as the “Year of Urban Planning and Architecture” in Azerbaijan by order of President Ilham Aliyev is of particular importance for promoting modern urban planning principles, strengthening environmental sustainability, and creating a healthy living environment. Academician Isa Habibbayli mentioned that various scientific events on this subject are also being held at ANAS within the framework of the year, he emphasized that the current symposium provides an important platform for the comprehensive study of the environmental, biological, and medical aspects of urban planning, the identification of new research directions, and the clarification of the scientific objectives ahead.

Academician Isa Habibbayli stated that the 21st century marks a new stage of civilization in which green development, alternative energy sources, environmental responsibility, the green economy, and the concepts of smart cities and villages are coming to the forefront. These changes encompasses not only the energy and industrial sectors, but also urban planning, the use of natural resources, environmental protection, and the improvement of people's quality of life. According to him, the concept of a green civilization encompasses a broader scope, involving the integration of economic, technological, and social development within a unified system, alongside environmental approaches. The President of ANAS emphasized the importance of aligning Azerbaijan’s green development strategy with its modern urban planning policy, highlighting the significance of the restoration and reconstruction efforts underway in Karabakh and East Zangezur in this regard. He noted that, within the framework of the Great Return, the establishment of new settlements and the development of infrastructure should not be limited to construction activities, but should instead be guided by the principles of preserving ecological balance, adopting alternative energy sources, and creating a sustainable living environment.

Academician Isa Habibbayli highlighted the importance of the symposium in scientifically investigating the impact of urban planning on the environment, biodiversity, and human health, fostering collaboration across various scientific disciplines, and developing effective proposals aimed at creating a sustainable urban environment.

Deputy Director of the State Agency for Science and Higher Education and Corresponding Member of ANAS Aminağa Sadigov emphasized in his speech the importance of the international scientific symposium as a platform for scientific discussion of the ecological and biological characteristics of the urban environment.

He mentioned that the environmental problems faced by major cities have had a negative impact on people's health, physical activity, and daily lives in recent years. In this regard, improving urban ecology and creating an environment conducive to healthy living have become key priorities for states, governments, and the scientific community. Aminağa Sadigov emphasized that Baku has undergone rapid development over the past 15–20 years and that taking environmental issues into account throughout this process is of particular importance.

Subsequently, Academician Irada Huseynova, Vice-President of ANAS and acting Director of the Institute of Molecular Biology of the Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan emphasized the importance of sustainable urban development in preserving ecological balance, protecting biodiversity, and safeguarding human health. The Vice-President emphasized that modern cities are complex socio-ecological systems subject to intense anthropogenic pressures, and that environmental protection, the conservation of natural ecosystems, and the creation of healthy living conditions are among the key priorities in urban planning. Academician Irada Huseynova mentioned that preserving ecological balance and improving the urban environment are among the key priorities of Azerbaijan’s state policy. She emphasized that the designation of 2026 as the “Year of Urban Planning and Architecture” and Baku’s hosting of the 13th session of the World Urban Forum further underscore the growing importance of this agenda.

Academician Irada Huseynova emphasized the importance of developing green and blue infrastructure to improve the urban environment, selecting plant species suited to local climatic conditions, and scientifically assessing the effects of air pollution and other environmental factors on human health. According to her, the application of the “One Health” and “Planetary Health” concepts is of considerable importance in identifying risks arising in the urban environment and effectively planning preventive measures.

The Vice-President of ANAS noted that the symposium serves as an important platform for expanding international scientific cooperation and investigating pressing issues through a multidisciplinary approach. She also noted that the 110 theses to be presented at the event would include research conducted by scholars and researchers from Turkey, Uzbekistan, Slovakia, Iran, Pakistan, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, and Australia, alongside those from Azerbaijan.

Professor of Azerbaijan Medical University and Corresponding Member of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences Sudeyf Imamverdiyev emphasized in his speech that alongside Baku’s rapid development in recent years, a number of issues remain pressing, including ensuring the safety of the urban environment, improving infrastructure, and enhancing the living conditions of the population.

Sudeyf Imamverdiyev also highlighted the importance of large-scale reconstruction efforts underway in Karabakh, the return of the population to their ancestral lands, and ensuring adequate living conditions and employment opportunities for residents. He mentioned that such international scientific events play an important role in discussing current issues, exchanging experiences, and developing effective proposals to address these challenges.

Then the international scientific symposium continued with a plenary session.