Baku: Sustainable cities cannot be built solely through state investments and policy frameworks, Orkhan Mammadov, Chairman of the Management Board of the Small and Medium Business (SMB) Development Agency of Azerbaijan, stated during a session titled 'Strengthening the Role of Small and Medium Enterprises as Key Actors in Building Sustainable, Inclusive and Resilient Cities' at WUF13.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Mammadov emphasized the crucial role played by entrepreneurs, SMEs, startups, technology providers, architects, urban innovators, and infrastructure builders in creating smarter, greener, and more inclusive cities. He highlighted that Azerbaijan is already making considerable progress in this area. The nation is implementing large-scale urban transformation projects, 'smart city' and 'smart village' concepts, expanding 'green zones,' modernizing urban infrastructure, and reconstructing liberated territories with sustainability principles, all of which underscore its commitment to innovative urban planning.
Mammadov also pointed out that SMEs contribute to economic growth and employment and play a vital role in innovation, green transition, digitalization, and social inclusion within urban communities. He noted that urban planning initiatives in liberated territories under the President's leadership aim to construct new settlements based on smart technologies, renewable energy, modern infrastructure, and environmental sustainability standards. The 'smart village' project in Aghali village exemplifies this, combining renewable energy, smart systems, sustainable agriculture, and digital public services.
Furthermore, the extensive reconstruction and urban planning in cities like Shusha and Fuzuli highlight Azerbaijan's dedication to modern, sustainable urban environments. Mammadov concluded by emphasizing that the panel discussions at the event serve as a pivotal platform for promoting the role of SMEs in sustainable urban development and strengthening collaboration between state institutions, international organizations, and the private sector.