"Climate resilience is an integral part of our urban development approach," said Anar Guliyev, Chairman of the State Committee on Urban Planning and Architecture of Azerbaijan, as he delivered the country's national statement during the High-Level Meeting of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly on the Midterm Review of the implementation of the New Urban Agenda in New York, the United States.
According to him, Azerbaijan is modernizing urban legislation, advancing green construction and energy efficiency in buildings, and strengthening digital governance, including the digitalization of construction permits.
"The State Program for Improving Transport Infrastructure in Baku and Surrounding Areas for 2025–2030 promotes public transport, walkability, road safety, public spaces, and environmental resilience," Anar Guliyev emphasized.
"At COP29, Azerbaijan launched the Multisectoral Actions Pathways (MAP) for Resilient and Healthy Cities, promoting integrated action across urban planning, transport, health, energy, and environmental sectors. We also initiated the Baku Continuity Coalition to strengthen the link between the global climate and urban agendas. The coalition was further expanded at WUF13 with the participation of new WUF hosts," he noted, adding that Azerbaijan is developing its first National Urban Policy in close cooperation with UN-Habitat.
"Building on the reforms and experience of the past ten years, Azerbaijan is committed to accelerating the implementation of the New Urban Agenda. This commitment is reflected in the decision of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan to declare 2026 the 'Year of Urban Planning and Architecture.' This demonstrates our determination to further advance the institutional, regulatory, and practical foundations of sustainable urban development," the Chairman stressed.
He added that Azerbaijan remains actively engaged in advancing the housing agenda, including through its co-chairmanship of the UN-Habitat Open-Ended Intergovernmental Working Group on Adequate Housing for All.
