Baku - On 5 to 6 October 2022, the State Committee on Urban Planning and Architecture of the Republic of Azerbaijan convened the Azerbaijan National Urban Forum (NUFA), bringing together a wide range of urban stakeholders and participants in the City of Aghdam to discuss emerging key urban challenges in the Republic of Azerbaijan and show-case international experiences in the related field. Given the importance of post-conflict reconstruction and rehabilitation, including post-conflict recovery, the 1st Azerbaijan National Urban Forum was focusing on harnessing the potential of the Sustainable Development Goals and the New Urban Agenda in rebuilding livelihoods and returning life to the territories affected by natural and man-made emergencies.

Vladimir Gjorgjiev, Chief of Mission of IOM Azerbaijan, was one of the moderators of the Environmentally sustainable and resilient urban development session during which officials, local and international experts made speeches on topics such as Green planning tools for the sustainable urban development; Green and blue assets for livable cities: Zangilan and Kalbajar cities; National Urban Policies, spatial and economic strategies: transformative power for the recovery process and transition enabler to green future; Strategies for a sustainable transition to the green energy: Achievements, best practices, ongoing projects and targets for the future; Towards achievement of SDGs: region of “green-growth”; Green innovations and solutions in addressing climate change impacts in urban areas; Urban Challenges in the Republic of Indonesia.

Azerbaijan National Urban Forum (NUFA) was organized within the scope of the 2022 Urban October Celebrations; the 2022 Urban October opens with World Habitat Day (WHD) on 3 October.

NUFA presented a unique opportunity for international and multi-stakeholder cooperation for urban recovery and offer a platform for exchanging knowledge and experience while identifying obstacles and discussing solutions for the urban crisis.