Azerbaijan Technical University (AzTU) hosted an international seminar and expert panel discussion titled “Urban Mobility and Sustainable Transport: Towards WUF13.” The event brought together the Advisor to the Minister of Science and Education, Nicat Mammadli; Chair of the Turkish Higher Education Quality Council (YOKAK), Professor Umit Kocabicak; rectors of universities from Turkiye and Uzbekistan; a professor from a Kazakh university; as well as representatives from the executive authorities of 44 partner cities and districts participating in the “Preparation of Urban Mobility Plans” project.
The event was organized in relation to the upcoming 13th session of the United Nations World Urban Forum (WUF13), which will be hosted by Azerbaijan.
The main objective of the event was to contribute to the development of urban mobility plans, strengthen sustainable urban policies, and expand research activities within higher education institutions in the context of WUF13.
The World Urban Forum (WUF13), organized by UN-Habitat, is the world’s largest international platform dedicated to urban planning and sustainable urban development. The forum aims to facilitate the exchange of global experience on improving quality of life in cities, sustainable mobility, green infrastructure, digital transformation, and urban policy.
One of the research projects contributing to the forum has been carried out at AzTU. Between 2022 and 2025, AzTU provided consultancy services within the framework of the “Preparation of Urban Mobility Plans” project, implemented jointly with partner executive authorities from 44 cities and districts (Ganja, Sumgayit, Goygol, Shamkir, Agjabadi, Naftalan, Khachmaz, Tovuz, Yevlakh, Masalli, Bilasuvar, Mingachevir, Gusar, Shirvan, Guba, Goychay, Shaki, Lankaran, Balakan, Oghuz, Hajigabul, Gobustan, Neftchala, Agstafa, Gakh, Lerik, Jalilabad (Goytepe), Agdash, Gazakh, Imishli, Dashkasan, Gabala, Samukh, Gadabay, Zagatala, Saatli, Goranboy, Salyan, Barda, Zardab, Siyazan, Tartar, Agsu, Shamakhi).
Opening speeches were delivered by Rector of AzTU, Professor Vilayat Valiyev; Advisor to the Minister of Science and Education, Nicat Mammadli; Chair of YOKAK, Professor Umit Kocabicak; Rector of Sakarya University, Professor Hamza Al; Rector of Cankaya University, Professor Hadi Hakan Marash; and Director of the Road Transport Infrastructure and Expertise Department of the Azerbaijan Land Transport Agency (AYNA), Mirhamid Baghirov. The speakers emphasized that the topics discussed would contribute to the development of urban mobility and the strengthening of urbanization policies.
A panel discussion on urban mobility and sustainable development followed.
Presentations were delivered by:
- Professor Fuad Dashdemirov — “Urban Mobility Plan: Outcomes, Challenges, and Sustainable Perspectives in the Context of WUF13”
- Professor Mesut Duzgun — “Development of Electric Vehicles and Workforce Training Requirements”
- Professor Daurenbek Ilesaliev — “Modern Transport Model of Gulistan City: Analysis, Modeling, and Project Solutions”
- Professor Oyum Balabayev — “Monitoring Transport Mobility in the Karaganda Agglomeration Region”
