BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 24. At the 25th
International “White City Ashgabat-2026” exhibition and conference
held in Ashgabat, Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to Turkmenistan, Gismat
Gozalov, delivered a speech on Azerbaijan’s projects in urban
planning, architecture, sustainable development, and the
significance of the WUF13 event, Trend reports.
In his speech, Ambassador Gismat Gozalov stated that
Azerbaijan’s traditions in urban planning and architecture have a
rich history spanning many centuries. He noted that Azerbaijani
cities located along the Silk Road historically developed as
important centers of trade, craftsmanship, and culture. Azerbaijan
lies between Europe and Asia and has always been a place where East
meets West, while Azerbaijani architecture reflects a synthesis of
Eastern and Western traditions.
Gozalov also noted that by the decree of Azerbaijan’s President
Ilham Aliyev, the year 2026 has been declared the “Year of Urban
Planning and Architecture” in the country. The ambassador
emphasized that Baku’s hosting in recent years of prestigious
international events such as COP29 and the 13th session of the
World Urban Forum (WUF13) demonstrates Azerbaijan’s active role on
global platforms, its contribution to cooperation in urbanization,
and its position as a reliable partner.
The speech also highlighted that in the modern era, urban
planning issues have become one of the most complex fields directly
connected with urbanization, climate change, social inclusion,
transportation systems, and digital governance. In this regard,
discussions held on international platforms provide important
opportunities for determining future directions of urban
development, promoting sustainable solutions, and studying the
experiences of different countries. From this perspective, WUF13
held in Baku served as an important platform for global discussions
about the future of cities.
The ambassador stressed that during WUF13, the effects of rapid
urbanization on cities, climate, economies, and governance
processes were discussed, while innovative solutions for building
safer, more sustainable, and inclusive cities were presented.
Gismat Gozalov also noted that for the first time, a Leaders’
Summit Meeting was organized in Baku within the framework of the
forum, emphasizing its significance in determining strategic
priorities for the future of cities and strengthening international
cooperation.
Gismat Gozalov stated that a delegation led by Deryageldi
Orazov, Chairman of the State Committee for the Construction of
Arkadag City under the President of Turkmenistan, participated in
WUF13. He also pointed out that among the national pavilions
presented at the Urban Expo exhibition held within the framework of
WUF13 was Turkmenistan’s pavilion titled “Smart city-smart future,”
showcasing the country’s approaches to urban planning, sustainable
development, and modern urbanization.
In addition, the ambassador touched upon the reconstruction,
urban planning, and restoration works being carried out in
Azerbaijan, including in Karabakh. He stated that large-scale
projects based on modern urban planning principles, sustainable
development approaches, and the concepts of “smart city” and “smart
village” are being implemented in the country. Gismat Gozalov noted
that these projects cover important areas such as increasing energy
efficiency, developing digital infrastructure, managing
transportation systems, integrating utility and energy networks,
implementing environmental monitoring systems, and ensuring public
safety. The reconstruction and restoration efforts in Karabakh were
presented as one of the practical examples of Azerbaijan’s modern
urban planning approach.
He emphasized that the urban development projects being
implemented in Karabakh aim to transform settlements into modern,
sustainable, and comfortable living environments.
The ambassador also stated that the urban planning projects
implemented by Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan represent important
steps toward modernization and sustainable development. It was
noted that these projects demonstrate the special place cities
occupy in the modern development agendas of both countries. Gismat
Gozalov also mentioned that Turkmenistan’s Arkadag city was built
based on the “smart city” concept and has been formed as a
sustainable urban model equipped with modern technologies.
