Azerbaijan's hosting of WUF13 is an indicator of the country's commitment to sustainable urban transformation, international cooperation, and innovative urban planning approaches.
Modern.az reports that these thoughts were expressed by Riad Gasimov, Head of the Main Department of Architecture and Urban Planning of Baku City, at an event dedicated to the Master Plan of Baku city, held within the framework of the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13).
He noted that under the leadership of the President of Azerbaijan, Mr. Ilham Aliyev, urban planning and architecture have become one of the main priorities of the national development agenda.
“This approach has been further strengthened by the declaration of 2026 as the “Year of Urban Planning and Architecture.”
According to R. Gasimov, based on UN forecasts, approximately 70 percent of the world's population will live in cities by 2050:
“For this reason, decisions made today regarding land use, infrastructure, transport, public spaces, and environmental management will directly affect the lives of future generations.”
He stated that modern urban planning can no longer be limited to traditional zoning and construction policies: “Urban planning must transform into a complex management process that is human-centered, climate-sensitive, and data-driven.”
R. Gasimov noted that the Baku Master Plan 2040 was developed precisely on the basis of this approach and defines the long-term strategic development framework of the capital.
“The Master Plan aims to transform Baku not just into a growing metropolis, but into a greener, more inclusive, sustainable, and competitive global city. One of the main priorities of the plan is to improve the quality of life of urban residents. In this framework, special attention is paid to the development of parks, pedestrian-friendly spaces, social infrastructure, and public services.
In addition, within the framework of the Master Plan, projects such as the expansion of Central Park, the creation of new coastal areas, the development of the city boulevard and recreation zones, and the renovation of neighborhood infrastructure serve to create a more comfortable and livable urban environment.”
R. Gasimov also added that coastal cities like Baku face serious ecological and climate challenges. In this regard, the master plan incorporates the principles of green urban planning, energy efficiency, ecological restoration, and sustainable mobility.
According to him, increasing green zones, improving air quality, promoting renewable energy solutions, and strengthening urban ecology are among the main directions:
“Azerbaijan is also moving forward in developing national green building programs together with international partners such as the International Finance Corporation.”
R. Gasimov noted that the issue of transport is also one of the main directions of the master plan.
“The Master Plan prioritizes the development of public transport, strengthening multimodal connections, reducing congestion, and increasing integration between residential, commercial, and recreational zones. The goal is not only to facilitate movement but to create a balanced urban model where people spend less time commuting.”
He also emphasized that the preservation of Baku's rich historical and cultural heritage is also one of the main priorities:
“Alongside the modernization of the city, the preservation of its architectural identity and historical heritage remains a fundamental responsibility.”
