The 3rd National Urban Forum of Azerbaijan (NUFA3), held under the theme “Towards Climate-Resilient and Healthy Cities: Regional Partnerships and Innovative Solutions”, represents far more than a conventional gathering of urban planning experts. Held for the first time in Khankendi - a city once at the heart of decades-long conflict - this Forum embodies the strategic transformation, national resilience, and emerging global role of Azerbaijan in sustainable urban development.

Khankendi as a metaphor for victory and vision - The decision to host NUFA3 in Khankendi, in the heart of the recently liberated territories, is itself a powerful geopolitical and cultural message. As President Ilham Aliyev declared in his opening address:“The city that endured occupation for many years is now a symbol of peace, restoration, and revival.”

The Forum is not only a technical dialogue on planning but also a public statement of territorial sovereignty and the rapid pace of post-conflict reconstruction. Khankendi now symbolizes both military victory and development capacity, reflecting Azerbaijan’s determination to rebuild from ruins and redefine the region’s future.

Following Azerbaijan’s decisive victory in the 44-day Patriotic War of 2020, the government launched one of the most ambitious reconstruction efforts........

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