The Third Azerbaijan National Urban Forum, held in Khankendi, marked a significant milestone in shaping the country’s evolving regional development agenda. The event brought together architects, urban planners, policy experts, and representatives of international organizations, covering a broad range of issues — from cultural heritage preservation to the integration of innovative and environmentally sustainable approaches in urban development.
The choice of Khankendi as the venue carries both symbolic and strategic significance. It reflects Azerbaijan’s broader trend toward the decentralization of its socio-political and cultural life, which is increasingly extending beyond the capital. While large-scale national and international events were once concentrated primarily in Baku, regional centers are now emerging as dynamic platforms for forums, conferences, and cultural initiatives of national importance.
In his address to the participants, President Ilham Aliyev emphasized that the reconstruction of the liberated territories is not merely a physical rebuilding process, but part of a comprehensive vision for transforming the region into a modern, sustainable, and integrated economic and social space. Across Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur — an area comparable in size to four Luxembourgs — Azerbaijan is implementing urban development projects of unprecedented scale and complexity.
The devastation of infrastructure and the loss of public facilities require a systematic, coordinated, and forward-looking approach. A new model of spatial development is emerging: “smart villages,” agro-industrial parks, logistics hubs, tourism clusters, and modern transportation arteries are being established. The overarching goal is to create territories that are livable, investment-attractive, and environmentally sustainable.
Particular attention is devoted to Shusha, the historical and cultural heart of Karabakh. A comprehensive restoration program is underway, designed to merge the city’s historical character with modern architectural and functional standards. The reconstruction of Shusha is viewed not as a return to the past but as the beginning of a new stage in urban evolution — one that honors cultural memory while embracing innovation and contemporary urban living.
Khankendi, in turn, exemplifies a thoughtful approach to urban renewal. Although less physically damaged than other settlements, it is undergoing deep modernization — from the rational organization of its urban space to the introduction of advanced infrastructure and green technologies.
Thus, the transformation now taking place is not simply about rebuilding. It represents the creation of a new architecture of life, economy, and community. This process reflects a high degree of strategic planning and inter-agency coordination, demonstrating how post-conflict development can become a catalyst for modernization and innovation.
The Third Azerbaijan National Urban Forum reaffirmed that Azerbaijan’s national strategy for the restoration and development of its liberated territories is grounded in a long-term vision — one focused on sustainability, cultural heritage, and the quality of the urban environment. This approach continues to draw growing international interest as a model of effective integration between urban planning, governance, and policy design.
