https://innews.media/uploads/news/2026-05/_innews_c62b5b424bf883fad6cb52a8b_o.jpg
On 5 May, the Sheki branch of the Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University (ASPU) hosted an information session on the thirteenth session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13), bringing together teachers and students in support of wider efforts to raise public awareness of the event.
Among those addressing the event were Vurghun Mammadov, Director of the Sheki branch of the Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University; Sadiq Yusifov, Head of the Socio-Political and Humanitarian Affairs Sector of the Sheki City Executive Authority; Ramiz Idrisoghlu, representative of the State Committee on Urban Planning and Architecture of the Republic of Azerbaijan; and Emin Huseynzade, Communications Manager at the WUF13 Azerbaijan Operations Company, who outlined key aspects of WUF13.
Speakers also underscored the significance of the event for Azerbaijan, highlighting in particular those elements of the programme expected to resonate most strongly with young people.
Sadiq Yusifov noted that the city of Sheki continues to develop while preserving its historical, cultural and geographical character, drawing on global urban planning practices. He emphasised that Sheki, with a history spanning more than 2,700 years, remains one of the few places where the urban traditions of medieval Eastern cities have been preserved to the present day.
Sadiq Yusifov noted that Sheki is evolving in a way that balances its historical, cultural and geographical identity with the adoption of contemporary global urban planning practices. He added that, with a history of more than 2,700 years, the city stands out as one of the rare places where the urban traditions of medieval Eastern settlements remain visibly embedded in its fabric. He added that, under the 2030 Development Programme, a master plan for Sheki has been approved, with construction and urban improvement works now under way in accordance with the plan.
Ramiz Idrisoghlu noted that, in response to global urbanisation challenges, the projects being implemented in Azerbaijan, along with the country’s advanced urban planning practices, are attracting significant international interest and are widely studied on global platforms. He added that, building on these achievements, the capital, Baku, will host the thirteenth session of the World Urban Forum from 17 to 22 May.
Emin Huseynzade encouraged young people to take part in WUF13. In his remarks, he provided a detailed overview of the WUF13 Festival, while also highlighting the event’s significance for Azerbaijan and drawing attention to the key activities expected to be of particular interest to young people.
The WUF13 Festival will continue into the evening with an open-air public programme set to commence at 18:00.
Through a programme of interactive activities, educational games, presentations and public discussions, a broad audience will be engaged with key themes including sustainable urban development, inclusive urban environments, innovative urban solutions and the cities of the future. Detailed insight into the event’s core themes and guiding ideas will also be provided.
