The Third Azerbaijan National Urban Forum (NUFA3) will serve as a prominent platform to promote sustainable urban planning and development, with a strong emphasis on resilience, inclusivity, urban innovation, and healthy living environments. The Forum will address a wide range of emerging urban challenges, including housing affordability, post-conflict and post-disaster reconstruction, the promotion of greener construction approaches, inclusive urban governance, digital innovations, nature-based solutions, and the strengthening of regional partnerships.

In an effort to foster stronger linkages between climate commitments and urban resilience, while bridging global platforms such as the World Urban Forums (WUFs) and the Conferences of the Parties (COPs), Azerbaijan recently launched two major initiatives at COP29: the Multisectoral Action Pathways (MAP) to Resilient and Healthy Cities and the Baku Continuity Coalition. These initiatives underscore Azerbaijan’s commitment to aligning urban development efforts with global climate and sustainability agendas.

Held under the theme “Towards climate-resilient and healthy cities: harnessing regional partnerships and innovative solutions”, NUFA3 will highlight Azerbaijan’s deepening engagement in global urban development processes. The Forum will explore the contributions of national, regional and local governments, organizations, communities, academic institutions, the private sector and other relevant stakeholders toward achieving climate-resilient and healthy cities through integrated planning, multisectoral collaboration, and the localization of global frameworks such as the Paris Agreement, the New Urban Agenda, and the Sustainable Development Goals. Building on the achievements of the previous National Urban Forums in 2022 and 2023, NUFA3 will also provide a platform for dialogue on accelerating the implementation of the New Urban Agenda through inclusive, resilient, and sustainable approaches tailored to the specific regional and local contexts of Azerbaijan and the broader region.

The Forum will serve as an inclusive, recurring platform for addressing urban challenges with a particular focus on the reconstruction and rehabilitation of human settlements in post-conflict contexts and the advancement of cooperation on sustainable urban development. Additionally, it aims to showcase contemporary approaches in urban planning and sustainable development, while facilitating the exchange of international experiences between practitioners in this field.

In light of Azerbaijan’s emerging role as a regional connector and hub for dialogue and innovation, NUFA3 aims to foster peer-to-peer learning and institutional cooperation among planning authorities across the region to address common urban challenges. It will also promote the alignment of urban and territorial planning with transboundary environmental and infrastructure goals. We are confident that the structured dialogues between country representatives will encourage the development of shared indicators for urban monitoring and policy harmonization for sustainable regional development on shared issues, such as housing, natural resources, land use and mobility.

NUFA3 will also serve as a vital preparatory milestone on the road to WUF13, fostering dialogue and collaboration among national and international partners committed to advancing sustainable urban and regional development, showcasing international best practices and stimulating local action.

NUFA3 will take place from 15 to 17 October 2025 with the opening ceremony and second day at the newly inaugurated Khankendi Congress Centre, located in the city of Khankendi. The Forum will conclude on the third day with a series of discussions in Baku, the vibrant capital of Azerbaijan.