Baku: A seminar titled 'Sustainable event management in football organization' was recently held as part of preparations for the Thirteenth Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13). This event was organized through a collaboration between the WUF13 Azerbaijan Operating Company and the Association of Football Federations of Azerbaijan (AFFA).
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the seminar marked the first awareness session dedicated to applying the AZS ISO 20121:2026 'Event sustainability management systems' state standard within sports events. Participants included staff from AFFA, representatives from the Professional Football League (PFL), the Football Development Fund (FIF), Misli Premier League, and First League clubs.
In his opening remarks, AFFA Deputy Secretary General Kamran Valiyev highlighted the significance of hosting the 13th session of the World Urban Forum in Baku from May 17-22, emphasizing the forum's role as a key international platform for discussing sustainable development, inclusivity, and modern management principles. Valiyev stated that hosting such a prestigious event in Azerbaijan presents both a great responsibility and an opportunity to apply international standards in various sectors, including football. He stressed the importance of fostering a sustainable football environment that aligns with principles of environmental responsibility and societal well-being.
Gulshan Rzayeva, Deputy Chief of Staff of the State Committee on Urban Planning and Architecture of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Deputy National Coordinator of WUF13, added that integrating sport into urban planning is crucial for city development. She pointed out that sport promotes inclusivity, supports healthy lifestyles, and enhances the sustainability of urban areas.
The implementation of the AZS ISO 20121:2026 standard provides a framework for hosting events in alignment with sustainability principles, contributing to positive environmental impacts and advancing a new culture in the event industry. The WUF13 will be conducted at the Baku Olympic Stadium, focusing on utilizing existing infrastructure and optimizing resource use.
Speakers at the seminar included Jamila Ismayilzade, Head of the Department of Substantive Content of the WUF13 Azerbaijan Operating Company, Afghan Mehtiyev, Chief Coordination Officer, Tural Mammadov, Chief Administrator for Organizational Development and Human Capital, Mirza Aliyev, Senior Manager of EY Azerbaijan Climate Change and Sustainability Services, and Nargiz Ahmadzade, Senior Specialist. They discussed the integration of sport into urban planning, the role of sustainability in football tournaments, and strategic approaches to event planning and risk management.