Today, a roundtable discussion dedicated to the importance of holding WUF13 - World Urban Forum in Azerbaijan was organized at the Institute of Soil Science and Agrochemistry of the Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

   Opening the event with an introductory speech, the Executive Director of the Institute, Doctor of Philosophy in Biology, Associate Professor Gulchohra Huseynova informed the participants that one of the most prestigious events of the United Nations (UN) - the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) - would be held in the capital of Azerbaijan. He said that, in connection with the organization of the Forum in our country, an Organizing Committee was established in accordance with the Decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the relevant Action Plan was approved.

   Gulchohra Huseynova emphasized that, the holding of this important international event in Baku in 2026 is a clear indicator of the deep reforms carried out by Azerbaijan in the field of urban planning, the large-scale projects implemented, and the important achievements achieved. She also noted that this Forum will make a significant contribution to further increasing Azerbaijan's international prestige and establishing new partnerships in the field of urbanization and environmental sustainability.In her speech, Gulchohra Huseynova also touched upon the role of the "smart city" concept in modern times and stated that this model is of great importance in terms of ensuring sustainable development in the urban environment, protecting ecological balance, and improving the well-being of citizens.

   Speaking later, Doctor of Philosophy in Biology, Associate Professor Zaman Mammadov noted the strategic importance of holding the event in Baku.He said that, urban planning is an integral part of the ecological system, and a properly planned urbanization process serves both the protection of nature and the improvement of people's quality of life.

   A wide-ranging discussion on the topic was held at the round table with the participation of Doctor of Philosophy in Agrarian Sciences Nadir Nadirov, Doctor of Philosophy in Agrarian Sciences Zakir Aliyev and other scientists, and it was noted that such events are of particular importance in terms of exchanging knowledge and experience and forming new ideas and approaches for specialists working in the field of urban planning, ecological planning and smart infrastructure development in our country.