Baku State University (BSU) hosted the III Youth Networking Forum “Youth for the Sustainable Development Goals,” organized by BSU, the BSU Volunteers organization, and the SDG Youth Community Initiative Group.

Speaking at the opening of the forum, Asiman Ilyasov, Advisor to the BSU Rector for Quality Assurance, highlighted the role of higher education institutions and young people in advancing sustainable development and emphasized the responsibility of universities in this area. He noted that young people’s innovative approaches, initiative, and openness to cooperation across various fields make a significant contribution to the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Project Manager Anar Valiyev, Nigar Iskandarova, Project Manager of “SDG Youth Community II,” Gulyab Bunyatov, Head of the Department at the State Agency for Environmental Expertise, and Ramila Soltanova, Senior Advisor at the Sustainable Development Statistics Department of the State Statistical Committee, shared their views on strengthening the role of young people in advancing the SDGs, as well as the importance of education and institutional cooperation.

The forum featured a panel discussion titled “New Vision and Local Solutions for Sustainable Cities.” The discussion brought together Shahnaz Badalova, Deputy Head of a Department at the State Committee for Urban Planning and Architecture; Sabir Orujov, Professor at Baku Engineering University; and Aifra Manto, journalist and founder of FounderDNA.

The panel addressed approaches to urban planning and the development of sustainable cities, including the alignment of urban development with social, economic, and environmental needs, the application of locally tailored solutions, and the role of innovative approaches in shaping urban environments. The discussion also covered the importance of incorporating residents’ needs into urban planning, developing public spaces, and transforming cities into accessible, comfortable, and livable environments.

The forum continued with a panel discussion titled “Sustainable Cities of the Future: Green Transformation, Inclusive Communities and Collaborative Urban Development.” The panel featured Sadika Mehtiyeva, a staff member at Columbia University; Anna Shvygar, Co-Founder and Director of Venetian Plaster Art; Rahid Abbasov, Manager at Worley; and Gasim Khalilov, Secretary-General of the BSU Volunteers organization.

The forum concluded with a question-and-answer session, during which participants had the opportunity to address their questions to the speakers.