On 10 May, Karabakh University hosted a panel discussion on “Inclusive Urban Development: Women, Communities and a Sustainable Future” as part of the WUF13 Festival programme.
Bringing together a diverse mix of experts, civic voices and participants, the Khankendi event offered a timely platform to examine how inclusive approaches, women’s leadership and sustainability principles are reshaping the future of cities. Speakers emphasised that initiatives delivered as part of the WUF13 Festival play a vital role in enhancing public awareness of urbanisation, sustainability and social development, while fostering stronger dialogue among stakeholders and encouraging new forms of collaboration.
The panel brought together Emin Huseynzade, Communications Manager at the WUF13 Azerbaijan Operations Company; Gulnara Ismayilova, Director of Resource HUB; Dr Gulchohra Huseynova, Associate Professor at the Institute of Geography under the Ministry of Science and Education; and Lala Nasibova, a young architect and master’s student at the Polytechnic University of Turin. In a lively exchange with students, the speakers explored the role of community participation in urban planning, the importance of women’s representation in decision-making, and the interplay between international best practice and locally grounded approaches to shaping more accessible and sustainable urban environments.
During the discussion, it was noted that Khankendi today is not only a city undergoing reconstruction, but also an emerging hub of ideas, energy and intellectual exchange, bringing together talent from across diverse fields. At such a pivotal stage, participants highlighted that dialogue around inclusive urban planning, community engagement and the future shape of cities carries particular relevance for the city’s ongoing development.
Panellists underscored that Khankendi’s emerging urban identity will be shaped by open dialogue, a diversity of perspectives and firmly people-centred approaches. They emphasised that sustainable urban development cannot be driven by infrastructure alone, but must equally rest on social inclusion, meaningful community participation and human-focused planning.
The session continued in an interactive format, with a lively exchange of views informed by questions and reflections from participants.
