Academician Rasim Alguliyev: “In the context of global challenges, digital transformation, and the building of a green society, hosting WUF13 in our country holds particular importance.”

Academician Rasim Alguliyev, Vice-President of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS) and Director General of the Institute of Information Technology of the Ministry of Science and Education, noted this at a meeting of the institute’s Scientific Council.

Academician  stated that the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13), one of the major large-scale international events, will be held in Baku from 17 to 22 May 2026. Established by the United Nations in 2001, the World Urban Forum (WUF) is recognized as a leading global platform that examines the impact of rapid urbanization on cities, countries, and the climate.

The scholar emphasized that Azerbaijan’s achievements in the field of urban development have been highly appreciated at the international level and that a decision has been made to hold this prestigious event in our country. The academician added that hosting the forum in Azerbaijan will make a substantial contribution to presenting the country’s development strategies and modern urban planning policy to the international community. The event will also create extensive opportunities to share the country’s urban development experience on a global platform.

The Director General of the Institute stated that recently consistent reforms have been implemented in the country to modernize urban infrastructure, revitalize public spaces, and safeguard cultural heritage. He particularly emphasized that the large-scale restoration and reconstruction efforts carried out in the Karabakh region demonstrate the successful practical implementation of Azerbaijan’s policy in this field: “The reconstruction of the cities of Shusha, Fuzuli, and Aghdam based on ‘smart city’ principles is regarded as a concrete manifestation of the country’s future urban development model.”

Academician Rasim Alguliyev emphasized that, in the context of global challenges, digital transformation, and the building of a green society, hosting WUF13 in our country holds particular importance.” In this regard, an organizing committee has been established by the relevant presidential decree, and specific tasks have been assigned to the responsible authorities.

The scholar noted that active participation in the implementation of tasks arising from state policy is one of the main priorities of the Institute of Information Technology. He also called on the Institute’s staff to become closely acquainted with the activities of the WUF and to actively engage in educational and awareness-raising efforts in this area.

The Director General of the Institute stated that the declaration of 2026 as the “Year of Urban Planning and Architecture” in our country is a clear example of the attention being given to these issues. He noted that the Ministry of Science and Education has set important tasks for the Institute of Information Technology in this regard. The scholar also mentioned that a scientific session on “The Role of ICT in Solving Urban Problems” is planned to be held at the Institute at the end of this year.

 © All rights reserved. Citing www.iсt.az is necessary when using news.