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The 13th Session of the World Urban Forum held in Baku became a presentation to the world of Azerbaijan’s philosophy of development, state determination, and national identity. In his opening speech at the forum, President Ilham Aliyev once again demonstrated that, for Azerbaijan, urban development is not merely about constructing buildings — it is about creating harmony between history and the future.
As the head of state emphasized, more than 45,000 participants from 182 countries registered for the forum. This fact alone proves that Baku has already become an international platform of global importance. Following COP29, this forum became the second largest global event hosted by Azerbaijan, once again drawing the world’s attention to Baku. This is no coincidence. In recent years, Azerbaijan has become a model not only through its energy and geopolitical projects, but also through its urban planning, ecological transformation, and modern governance model.
One of the most striking moments in President Ilham Aliyev’s speech was his remarks on how Azerbaijan harmonizes history with modernity. His words about the ancient walls of Icherisheher essentially reflect the spirit of today’s Baku. On one side stands a millennia-old history; on the other, modern architecture rising in glass and steel. On one side are ancient fortress walls; on the other, some of the world’s most advanced urban development projects.
The President of Azerbaijan did not declare this year the “Year of Urban Planning and Architecture” by chance. The construction and development processes underway in the country have already become not merely separate projects, but a central pillar of state strategy. In particular, the reconstruction programs being implemented in Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur are among the most unprecedented projects on a global scale. As the head of state noted, one of the government’s primary objectives today is the reconstruction of Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur. This is not simply the restoration of destroyed cities. It is the revival of national memory, the return of people to their native lands, and the rebuilding of life itself.
Recalling the fate of Aghdam, the President used a deeply emotional expression: “International observers and visitors compared Aghdam to Hiroshima.” This comparison clearly demonstrates the scale of the Armenian occupation and the depth of destruction. Yet Azerbaijan is building life, not revenge, upon the ruins. Today, roads are being built, airports are under construction, and schools and hospitals are being put into operation in those territories. The statement that “more than 85,000 Azerbaijanis now live in the formerly occupied territories” proves that the Great Return has already become a reality.
One of the most emotionally powerful moments in Ilham Aliyev’s speech concerned Azerbaijan’s attitude toward its historical heritage. The head of state declared: “We are proud of our ancient history reflected not only in our music and poetry, but also in our architecture.” Indeed, the ancient mosques of Shamakhi, the Momine Khatun Mausoleum in Nakhchivan, the historical image of Ganja, the monuments of Sheki, and the centuries-old sewage system of Lahij all demonstrate the great civilization created by our people.
Baku occupied a special place in this speech. The President recalled that Baku was one of the world’s first industrial oil cities and for many years carried the burden of ecological disaster. Yet today, Baku has an entirely different appearance. In the words of the head of state: “Instead of the heavily polluted Black City, today you can see White City — an example of modern urban planning.” This transformation is not merely a change in the city’s appearance; it is a transformation in mindset. A human-centered urban model, the creation of parks, modernization of public transportation, and an ecological approach have already become the defining features of Azerbaijan’s urban policy.
President Ilham Aliyev’s comparison with Formula 1 was among the most memorable parts of the speech. “Drivers must be brave and cautious, like leaders, decision-makers, and those advancing the development agenda,” the President stated, effectively explaining the philosophy of modern governance. Development must be rapid, but history must not be sacrificed. Modernity is essential, but national identity must not be lost.
The forum held in Baku once again demonstrated that Azerbaijan has moved beyond regional boundaries and become an active participant in the global urban development agenda. This is not only about architecture. It is about national spirit, state determination, and a vision for the future. Azerbaijan’s cities are not simply being rebuilt — they are becoming symbols of a new era. And Baku, as the heart of this transformation, sends a message to the world: a nation that preserves its history is also capable of building its future with confidence.
Elnara Akimova,
Member of the Milli Majlis,
Member of the Board of the New Azerbaijan Party,
Doctor of Philological Sciences
Ən son xəbərləri səhifəmizdən də izləyin
