Key Takeaways

• A panel session at Baku Climate Action Week focused on creating climate-resilient and sustainable cities.
• Leaders discussed Azerbaijan’s ongoing “smart city,” “smart village,” and “green city” initiatives, highlighting examples like Baku’s “White City.”
• Topics included urban planning, public health, financing, and community involvement in managing smart cities.

Panel Session Highlights Azerbaijan’s Urban Future

A panel titled “Shaping Azerbaijan’s Future: Climate-Resilient and Healthy Cities and Communities” was held as part of Baku Climate Action Week (BCAW 2025). Moderated by Anna Soave from UN-Habitat Azerbaijan, the session centered on fostering environmentally friendly and resilient urban environments.

The discussions emphasized the importance of urban planning and smart city innovations to enhance resilience to climate change, lower emissions, and promote sustainable lifestyles. Case studies presented at the session offered insight into implementing smart infrastructure across Azerbaijani cities.

Elmar Mammadov, representing Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, highlighted the country’s commitment to various projects aimed at creating “smart city,” “smart village,” and “green city” concepts in reclaimed territories. He pointed to Baku’s “White City” initiative, an example of transforming a previously polluted area into a sustainable urban space.

Key speakers included experts such as Paul Toyne from GRIMSHAW, Abdinassir Shale Sagar from UN-Habitat, and Lin O’Grady from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. They discussed the challenges presented by rapid urbanization, climate change, demographic shifts, and increased migration affecting cities globally.

The session also touched on critical issues like climate resilience, public health, community integration, financing strategies, international collaboration, and the role of citizen engagement in the governance of smart cities. The collaborative effort aims to provide scalable solutions that cater to the needs of urban communities facing climate-related challenges.

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