Geneva:A roundtable discussion titled 'From Early Shelters to Today's Smart Cities The Evolution of Human Settlements' took place at the Palais des Nations in Geneva. The event was organized by the State Committee for Urban Planning and Architecture of Azerbaijan in collaboration with the United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG), the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), and UN-Habitat. It was supported by the National Commission of Azerbaijan for UNESCO and the Ministry of Culture.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the event began with opening remarks from several key figures, including Rovshan Sadigbayli, Permanent Representative of Azerbaijan to the UN Office and other international organizations in Geneva; Charlotte Lindberg Warakaulle, Director of the UN Library and Archives Geneva; and Nargiz Gurbanova, Director of the Multilateral Economic Affairs Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan.
Gulshan Rzayeva from the State Urban Planning and Architecture Committee and Anna Soave, Head of the UN-Habitat Country Office in Azerbaijan, participated online during a session discussing the outcomes of the 13th World Urban Forum (WUF13). The session addressed issues such as the global housing crisis, affordable housing, inclusive urban planning, and the implementation of the Baku Call to Action.
The discussions, moderated by Ventzeslav Sabev, Associate Director on Security of the Geneva Observatory, were interactive and included participation from diplomatic representatives of Uzbekistan and Türkiye. A session focused on the Baku Call to Action emphasized the importance of strengthening local governance, responsibly applying AI and digital technologies, and enhancing climate resilience and environmental solutions in sustainable urban development.
The event also featured a photo exhibition on prehistoric shelters in Azykh, Taghlar, and Gobustan, Azerbaijan, showcasing one of the earliest chapters in the evolution of human settlements. This exhibition reflected humanity's ongoing quest for shelter and adaptation to the environment. It highlighted the broader process of post-conflict reconstruction, which includes restoring livelihoods, rebuilding communities, and strengthening social cohesion.
Additionally, a promotional video highlighting the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) held in Baku was screened. The exhibition will be open to visitors at the UN Office at Geneva until November 13.