Climate change, rapid urbanization, social inclusion, mobility, housing affordability, sustainability, and the growing demand for healthier and more resilient cities are key challenges.
Reportedly, Riad Gasimov, head of the Baku City Architecture and Urban Planning Department of the State Committee for Urban Planning and Architecture, stated this at an event titled "Baku Master Plan 2040 - A New Era of Development" held at the Azerbaijan pavilion within WUF13.
He noted that cities today face unprecedented pressures: "According to the UN, by 2050, approximately 70% of the world's population is expected to live in urban areas. This means that decisions we make today regarding land use, infrastructure, mobility, public spaces, and environmental management will directly shape the lives of future generations.
Therefore, modern urban planning can no longer be limited to traditional zoning and construction policies. It must become a human-centered, climate-sensitive, comprehensive, and integrated process.
The 'Baku Master Plan 2040' is developed based on this concept. For the first time in decades, our city will have a long-term strategic planning framework to ensure systematic and smooth transformation. The Master Plan envisions Baku not just as a growing megapolis, but as a greener, more inclusive, more sustainable, and globally more competitive city.
The priorities of the Master Plan are clear. The first priority is improving the quality of life for residents. A successful city is measured not only by the height of its buildings or the scale of infrastructure projects, but by how comfortable, healthy, safe, and accessible people's daily lives are. Therefore, the Master Plan pays special attention to the development of public spaces, including parks, pedestrian-friendly environments, social infrastructure, and accessible public services.
Our efforts in this direction will serve to integrate and implement more livable city principles. The second priority is environmental sustainability and climate resilience. Like many coastal cities worldwide, Baku faces serious ecological and climate-related challenges. Hence, the Master Plan incorporates green urbanization, energy efficiency, ecological restoration, and sustainable development principles. Special attention is given to increasing green areas, reducing environmental pressure, promoting renewable energy solutions, and improving air quality and urban ecology.
In partnership with international organizations such as the International Finance Corporation, Azerbaijan is advancing the development of a national green building code that promotes modern standards in sustainable construction and resource efficiency. These efforts directly contribute to global climate goals and align with broader discussions within the UN system, including key global events such as COP29 and COP30.
The third priority is integrated and efficient mobility. A modern city cannot function effectively without a well-connected and sustainable transport system. The Master Plan prioritizes the development of public transport, strengthening connectivity between different modes of transport, reducing traffic congestion, and ensuring better integration between residential, commercial, and recreational areas. Our goal is not only to improve mobility but also to create a more balanced urban structure where people spend less time on the road and more time living.
Finally, the fourth priority is preservation of historical and cultural identity. Baku is a city with unique architectural and cultural heritage reflecting centuries of history and intercultural exchange. Preserving the city's historical face and urban identity is one of our main responsibilities. Therefore, the Master Plan aims to create harmony between modern urban development and heritage conservation, protect historical architecture, and at the same time ensure innovative and sustainable development.
