Anar Guliyev, Chairman of Azerbaijan’s State Committee for Urban Planning and Architecture, highlighted the urban and sustainable development reforms implemented in the country as he addressed the Ministerial Meeting of the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF), held on 23 July 2025 under the auspices of the UN Economic and Social Council in New York, U.S.

In his remarks, Chairman Anar Guliyev outlined the country’s achievements and strategic priorities in urban and sustainable development. Guliyev underlined that Azerbaijan’s comprehensive and integrated approaches contribute to improving social well-being, enhancing economic resilience, as well as enabling climate change adaptation.

He pointed out that major global challenges like climate change, economic instability, and social inequality are intertwined, and are most noticeable in cities.

The Chairman described effective planning and management as crucial in the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals SDGs, considering urban master plans are essential tools for ensuring inclusive, safe, accessible, and sustainable cities.

Guliyev also provided an overview of ongoing post-conflict reconstruction and urban development projects in the Karabakh and East Zangezur economic regions. He mentioned that these efforts align with "smart cities" and "green energy" conceptions, designed to bolster regional stability, economic revitalization, and sustainable growth.

The Chairman underscored that Baku would host the 13th Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) in May 2026. He invited all countries and international organizations to actively participate in the upcoming event, describing it as a great opportunity for sharing the best experiences, partnership building, and enhancing international cooperation.

The High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) is the central United Nations platform for the follow-up and review of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The theme of the 2025 ECOSOC and HLPF is “Advancing sustainable, inclusive, science- and evidence-based solutions for the 2030 Agenda and its SDGs for leaving no one behind.”

On the sidelines of the Forum, Chairman Anar Guliyev will also join the UN-Habitat High-Level Dialogue on “Adequate Housing for All” organized under the SDG Localisation Partnerships Platform, as well as hold a series of bilateral meetings. (Source: Azerbaijan State News Agency, https://azertag.az/en/xeber/azerbaijans_experience_in_urban_and_sustainable_development_presented_at_un_forum-3671379)