The 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) concluded today in Baku with the adoption of final documents.
WUF13 marked a significant milestone in transforming Azerbaijan's urban planning model under the 'Great Return' into international standards.
The 'Baku Call to Action' and the ministerial meeting's final document endorsed Azerbaijan's 'Smart and Sustainable Resettlement Solutions Package for Safe Return' (4SRP) initiative.
In the summary of the high-level meeting, ministers welcomed the 4SRP initiative, developed jointly by Azerbaijan with UN-Habitat, IOM, and the Baku Climate and Peace Center. The 'Baku Call to Action' confirmed the main objectives of 4SRP.
The initiative was presented by the State Committee for Urban Planning and Architecture of Azerbaijan, together with UN-Habitat, IOM, and Baku Hub, during a high-level panel on May 19, 2026.
4SRP aims to develop integrated urban planning and recovery approaches in response to interconnected challenges of climate change, environmental degradation, forced displacement, conflict, and humanitarian vulnerability.
Partners emphasize that the international standards will draw on Azerbaijan's experience in large-scale restoration in Karabakh and East Zangezur economic regions, applying 'smart city' and 'smart village' concepts in post-conflict settings.
The initiative is seen as a platform for developing practical urban models for post-conflict regions, promoting them internationally, and facilitating access to climate finance.
