An international conference on “Formation of Human Capital for Sustainable Urban Development” was held jointly by Baku State University and the State Committee for Urban Planning and Architecture of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

The conference was organized within the framework of “Baku Urban Planning Week 2026,” one of the key platforms of the 13th World Urban Forum 13, held under the auspices of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme.

Speaking at the event, BSU Rector Elchin Babayev emphasized that sustainable urban development depends not only on infrastructure and technology, but primarily on highly qualified human capital. He noted that the “smart city” projects and large-scale reconstruction initiatives implemented in Azerbaijan are creating the need for skilled professionals capable of leading these transformations in the future.

The rector also stressed the importance of interdisciplinary integration in higher education, highlighting the role of universities in training future decision-makers, analysts, and innovators.

Dovlatkhan Dovlatkhanov, Deputy-Chairman of Azerbaijan's State Committee of Urban Planning and Architecture, noted that rapid urbanization worldwide is increasing the importance of sustainable planning and human capital development. He underlined the key role of universities and research institutions in shaping urban policy, innovation, and long-term development strategies.

Deputy Minister of Science and Education Idris Isayev emphasized the importance of the conference ahead of the 13th World Urban Forum 13, noting that rapid urbanization is creating new global challenges. He stated that urban planning today is not only an architectural issue, but also an economic, social, ecological, and humanitarian one. Highlighting the importance of human capital, he stressed that Azerbaijan’s education system is being modernized to train specialists capable of contributing to sustainable urban development.

Chairman of the Milli Majlis Committee on Natural Resources, Energy and Ecology Sadiq Gurbanov described urban planning as a vision for the future, emphasizing the importance of creating sustainable and environmentally healthy cities for future generations.

Chairman of the Milli Majlis Committee on Science and Education Anar Isgandarov said that hosting WUF13 in Baku reflects Azerbaijan’s strong statehood traditions and growing international reputation.

Rector of Azerbaijan University of Architecture and Construction Gulchohra Mammadova highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary cooperation in urban development, noting that architects, ecologists, engineers, sociologists, and IT specialists all play a key role in building sustainable cities.

Igor Garafulich, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Azerbaijan, noted that WUF13 further strengthens Azerbaijan’s role as an international dialogue platform. He stated that more than 32,000 participants have already registered for the forum, which will address global issues such as housing, accessibility, and urban planning.

Deputy Chairman of the Milli Majlis Committee on Science and Education and ADA University Vice-Rector Fariz Ismayilzadeh underlined the importance of WUF13 for expanding Azerbaijan’s international diplomatic ties. He also described the reconstruction of Karabakh as a unique model of sustainable and green urban development.

Vice-President of the National Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan and Director General of the Institute of Information Technologies Rasim Aliguliyev stressed that modern urban planning requires digitalization and artificial intelligence technologies, as well as the development of national human resources in these fields.

The conference continued with panel discussions dedicated to sustainable urban development and human capital formation.