Khankendi: The opening ceremony of the 3rd Azerbaijan National Urban Forum was held in the city of Khankendi. The Chairman of the State Committee for Urban Planning and Architecture, Anar Guliyev, initiated the event by presenting the address of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mr. Ilham Aliyev, to the Forum participants. The President highlighted the ongoing restoration and reconstruction efforts in the liberated territories and underscored the significance of the 3rd Azerbaijan National Urban Forum in Khankendi and the upcoming 13th session of the World Urban Forum in Baku as pivotal steps toward fostering a secure and sustainable urban environment.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the Executive Director of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), Anacl¡udia Rossbach, emphasized the Forum’s role as a crucial platform for multilateral cooperation in advancing the global urban agenda and developing sustainable cities. She noted its strategic importance for Azerbaijan, the region, and the world. Rossbach also acknowledged the Azerbaijani government’s efforts in preparing for the World Urban Forum 13, scheduled for May 2026 in Baku.

Anar Guliyev, in his address, highlighted the Forum’s significance, which brought together over 200 participants from 64 countries, totaling nearly 400 attendees. He pointed out that the Forum enables extensive experience exchange in sustainable urban development and aligns Azerbaijan’s urbanization policies with international standards.

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

Concluding the ceremony, attendees gathered for a group photo, marking the collaborative spirit of the Forum. Organized by the State Committee on Urban Planning and Architecture of Azerbaijan and UN-Habitat, the Forum is themed ‘Towards Climate-Resilient and Healthy Cities: Regional Partnerships and Innovative Solutions.’ It is a step towards the 13th World Urban Forum in Baku in 2026, with the aim of enhancing urban resilience to climate change, promoting inclusive urban strategies, and strengthening international partnerships for the reconstruction of the Karabakh region.

The three-day Forum from October 15 to 17 follows the Khankendi-Baku format, with government representatives and foreign officials from over 60 countries in attendance.