Remarks at the 2026 Partnership Forum of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), SDG Action Segment

New York, 27 January 2026, ECOSOC

Delivered by Ms. Nigar Bayramli, Second Secretary

We would like to thank the Chair and organizers for convening this important Segment. The theme of this year’s ECOSOC session, exploring transformative and innovative solutions for sustainable development, could not be more timely as we collectively strive to accelerate progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the face of multiple global development challenges. My country has taken concrete steps to advance implementation across several SDGs, with a particular focus on sustainable urban development, under SDG 11. 

Azerbaijan enjoys successful and productive cooperation with UN-Habitat and is proud to be one of its active supporters and donors. Two National Urban Forums and the World Habitat Day held so far in my country demonstrate our unwavering commitment to sustainable urban development at the national and international levels. Alongside these efforts, Azerbaijan has recently been elected Co-Chair of the Bureau of the Open-Ended Intergovernmental Working Group on Adequate Housing for All for 2025–2026, further reflecting our dedication to advancing global housing and urban development initiatives within the UN system.

Over the past five years, we have prioritized post-conflict rebuilding, reconstruction, and reintegration across our territories liberated from occupation, with more than $13.5 billion allocated between 2021 and 2025 for these projects. These substantial investments are driving the development of family-oriented modern infrastructure, expanded housing, and new employment opportunities, paving the way for the return of the internally displaced persons to their homes. Over 50,000 people have already returned and live, work, and study in these regions today.

Against this background, the 13th session of the World Urban Forum in Baku promises to be a milestone event, particularly as it will take place in the year marking the tenth anniversary of the adoption of the New Urban Agenda and in close connection with its upcoming midterm review process. For the first time, the Forum will feature a Summit of Leaders dedicated to advancing people-centered, financeable, and fast-to-implement solutions for sustainable urban futures, thereby providing a renewed momentum for the implementation of the New Urban Agenda and SDG 11. We see these processes as critical opportunities to take stock of progress, address remaining gaps, and chart a more ambitious and action-oriented path forward for sustainable urban development, with outcomes that can be further advanced through the WUF13 platform and beyond.

Dear Colleagues,

We kindly invite you all to take note that Azerbaijan, together with UN-Habitat and its Executive Director, is organizing an important and timely briefing on preparations for the World Urban Forum this Friday, on 30 January at 10:00 AM in Conference room 2. The briefing will provide key updates on the World Urban Forum and opportunities for engagement. We look forward to your active participation.

 Thank you.